On 13 April, Robert Frauenstein went missing on Chintsa beach while body boarding. Teeth marks in his later recovered body board have been confirmed to be those of a large Great White shark. The Chintsa community has come together in support of Robert’s family, and we hope to offer support from afar through this fundraiser. 

We were heartbroken to hear of this tragedy, and followed the updates closely, hoping for good news. As vollies from the US, who found a second home in Chintsa over the last few years, we knew we wanted to help in any way we could.

Jana, chef at the Barefoot Cafe, and her fiancé Robert, an IT tech, to whom she would have been wed next month, were often the first faces we saw after coming back into Chintsa after a long day. Vollies in particular took comfort in the atmosphere they helped create at Barefoot - from after work meals, to weekend breakfast, to late night dance parties. Jana and Rob have always been there to offer food, advice, comfort, or a listening ear. It’s heartbreaking to know that such kind people are hurting so deeply right now.

We are hoping to ease some of their burden through this fundraiser. If you have been lucky enough to experience Robert or Jana’s kindness, or have been touched by this tragedy, please consider donating. Any donation, or even just sharing a thought or prayer, would be incredibly appreciated. 

Sarah, Sibel, and I will be collecting funds from here in the US, as most popular crowdfunding sites are only available in the US and a small number of other countries. A small portion of the funds will go toward transaction fees, and the rest will be transferred directly to Robert’s family, for anything that can help ease their burden in the coming days.