Gabrielle Frank

🌺 Why I Serve Fiji

People often ask why I’m so passionate about giving back to Fiji. The truth is, Fiji has given my family countless gifts—lessons in humility, joy, and what it truly means to live a rich life.

But my deepest reason goes back to 2019.

My son Jonah and two young Fijian men, Bully and Jerry, were thrown from one of my boats while traveling to Ovalau. For hours, I searched desperately with other boats and a rescue plane. We eventually found the boat—drifting empty in the ocean. My heart broke, fearing the worst.

Then something incredible happened.

The entire community came together. People prayed. Boats from Ovalau and neighboring islands searched tirelessly. And after eight long hours swimming in the deep blue, Jonah, Bully, and Jerry made it back to Wakaya—alive. It was nothing short of a miracle. An answer to every single prayer.

In 2020, Glenn and Shirley asked me to become the patron of the Ovalau Outrigger Canoe & Sailing Association. I said yes without hesitation.

Serving Fiji is my promise to this country—to always give back in gratitude for the love, unity, and faith they showed when my son needed it most.

🫶🏽 Vinaka vakalevu, Fiji. I will never forget.