Those whose hearts go out to the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami have two more ways to help.
Shiro of Japan, Long Island’s premier Japanese hibachi steakhouse, is planning “RELIEF – JAPAN,” a fund-raiser, in an effort to support the relief measures taking place.
Hiro Ishikawa, co-owner of Shiro of Japan, is appealing to area residents to join the fundraising effort on Monday, April 11, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at 401 Old Country Road, Carle Place.
“Our patrons, friends and neighbors have expressed deep sympathy for the terrible loss of life in Japan,” said Ishikawa. “Survivors’ lives have been changed profoundly. They grieve for loved ones, deal with destruction and struggle for the basic needs of clean water, food and safe shelter. In the past, Shiro of Japan has raised funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina and the Indonesian tsunami. This time it’s much more personal to me and to the Shiro of Japan family. We are asking the community to be generous to the people of the country where I was born and raised.”
The evening will feature a spread of truly authentic Japanese cuisine, featuring sushi, hibachi, passed appetizers and sake samplings, and will include drawings for gift baskets and prizes. RELIEF – JAPAN tickets are $150 per person. All money raised through will be donated to the Japanese American Lions Club Charities, Inc.
In addition to the Carle Place event, 10 percent of the sales on April 11, at Shiro of Japan Restaurant at the Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale will also be donated to RELIEF – JAPAN.
For event reservations and sponsorships, call 516-997-4770 or visit www.shiroofjapan.com.
In its efforts to help, Astoria Federal Savings has announced that it will match up to $25,000 in community donations to the American Red Cross.
Donations made by customers and the community at any Astoria Federal branch through April will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the bank. In addition, donations made by any of Astoria Federal’s 1,700 employees will be matched on a two-for-one basis, for gifts of up to $5,000.
“We are committed to helping the people of Japan during this enormous tragedy,” said Astoria Federal chair and Chief Executive Officer George L. Engelke, Jr. “Last year, when disaster struck in Haiti, Astoria Federal led the effort to raise tens of thousands of dollars in humanitarian aid through a matching gift campaign. We invite our customers and neighbors to join us again, as we match their generous gifts dollar-for-dollar, all in the spirit of helping the Japanese people recover from this devastating disaster.”
The American Red Cross channels much-needed aid to the Japanese Red Cross, which is providing medical assistance, blankets, and other humanitarian care to those affected by the earthquake and tsunami, including those who have been evacuated as a result of the nuclear power crises.
To participate in this matching gift program, stop by any one of Astoria Federal’s neighborhood branches throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester.
For information on the American Red Cross and its Japan relief effort, visit https://www.redcross.org.
