Staff report

A fund raiser and celebration of life in honor of Erica Walli will be held starting at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Memorial Post 10221 in Anchor Point. The second annual fundraiser will include a halibut and chips dinner from 5 to 7 p.m., a silent auction beginning at 5 p.m., and live music by Seth Malone.

The event supports the Erica Walli Memorial Scholarship Fund, “created to honor Erica’s life by helping others, the way she so often did,” her family said in a press release. 

“Known lovingly as the community ‘Fish Fairy,’  Erica was the kind of person who gave from whatever she had. If she was out fishing on any given day, someone else was likely getting fed that evening. If someone needed a hug, Erica gave one that meant it. She loved the ocean, fishing, her family, her friends and giving. She was tough, generous, funny, direct, full of energy and deeply loved,” her family said.

Erica Walli died July 19, 2024, at age 49 after an ATV accident in Anchor Point. 

“Her sudden loss left a deep hole in the lives of the people who knew and loved her, but her family and friends have worked to turn that grief into something lasting,” her family said.

That legacy includes scholarships, community giving and organ donation awareness. Walli was a registered organ donor, and after her death her family learned she had a rare blood type. Through that final gift, she became part of a life-saving story far bigger than her own and was honored as one of Alaska’s donor heroes. Her family has described her as someone who “left this life as she lived it,” giving the ultimate gift of life.

The memorial scholarship fund is intended to carry forward the qualities that made Erica unforgettable: kindness, resilience, grit, love of the sea, and a willingness to help others without expecting anything in return. Her family said they hope the scholarship will support students, inspire others to give and keep the Walli spirit alive.

“Saturday’s fundraiser will also be a celebration, not only of Erica’s life, but of the communities she loved. The event brings together many of the things that would have made Erica smile: fish, music, stories, laughter, old friends and people showing up for one another,” her family said.

“The phrase ‘The Spirit of Walli Lives On’ has become a fitting reminder for those who loved Erica. Her family hopes everyone who attends will feel welcome to share memories, bid in the silent auction, enjoy dinner, listen to music and help build a scholarship fund that will continue Erica Walli’s random acts of kindness,” her family said.

All are welcome. Donations may be made directly to the Homer Foundation in Erica’s name. Community members may also honor Erica by donating an auction item to the Anchor Point VFW or by registering as an organ donor in her memory.