In the aftermath of the devastation left by the remnants of ex-Typhoon Halong across Western Alaska, two Bethel-born siblings are using their creativity to support families in need.
Author Don Rearden and his sister, artist Beth Hill, have launched Storm Relief: An Alaskan Family Giving Back, a new initiative organized through the Bethel Community Services Foundation. The campaign is designed to provide direct assistance to families displaced or severely affected by the storm.
For the pair, the effort is rooted in their upbringing and their connection to the region. Both grew up in Bethel and nearby villages, where community support and shared responsibility were core values. Their decision to give back reflects those lessons.
Don, whose writing often focuses on Western Alaska, is offering donors a free download of his novel Moving Salmon Bay for contributions over $25. The story follows a fictional Yup’ik coastal village facing climate-driven challenges, a narrative now echoed in real life as residents across the region recover from Halong’s impact.
Beth Hill, known for artwork that highlights the beauty and resilience of Alaska’s remote communities, is contributing one of her original signed paintings as part of a giveaway. Every donation made through December 31 will be entered into a drawing to win the piece, which depicts a coastal village confronting erosion, with a lone figure walking forward, a symbol of perseverance and hope.
The siblings’ project blends art and action, offering both immediate aid and a reminder of the strength within Alaska’s communities. Their goal is simple: to provide relief, raise awareness, and show that even small acts can make a meaningful difference.
