Locals Show Support for Japan's Tsunami Relief Efforts

BROOMALL—On Saturday, May 21, local residents came out to support relief efforts for Japan. Naomi Mullarkey, Yuki Kremin and many other friends and community members took it upon themselves to put on a fundraiser for the Japanese Red Cross Tsunami Relief effort.

Their goal was to create a relaxed atmosphere of food and music at the Community Masonic Hall in Broomall that would combine Japanese and American cultures as well as raise money.

Local and national businesses were ready and willing to donate food to the event.  The menu had many traditional American barbeque items such as meatballs, hotdogs and barbequed beef. Next to the hot dogs was Takoyaki, a popular Japanese dish made with octopus and shaped like a pancake. They also had delicious curry and rice. Mullarkey and Kremin felt a diverse menu would give the event broader appeal.

"We want to make sure that everyone is happy," explained Mullarkey.

The list of donations is quite impressive. Local food venues such as Sangkee, Maido, , KC Bakery, Maru Global and Con Murphy’s Irish Pub donated much of the food while Newtown Square Beverage brought the libations. Guests could chow down on great food and wash it all down with a cold draught beer or sip on a glass of wine.

The event was very family friendly. Children could learn how to make origami cranes or other beautiful designs with origami paper. They could also have their name painted on a bookmark in Japanese calligraphy. Next to the crafts table, there was a table covered with Japanese-influenced arts and crafts that people could purchase such as origami crane earrings. Guests could also buy delectable Japanese pastries to enjoy at the fundraiser or take home.

Live music was provided by Chris and Kellina Holt with percussionist Toby George.  They played a variety of classic and contemporary pop/rock, which was perfect for the audience. Their upbeat sound was ideal for the relaxed afternoon barbeque vibe Mullarkey's crew was aiming for.

Mullarkey and Kremin are both mothers of students at the Japanese Language School of Philadelphia. Members within their community were devastated by the Tsunami's destruction of Japan and were all concerned with the welfare of friends and family still living in Japan.

"We all felt we needed to do something because this was very big for us," Mullarkey explained. Kremin has been a guest at many community events, but this was the first charity event the two of them have developed from start to finish.

The proceeds will go directly to the Japanese Red Cross.  Their goal is to put the funds in a bank account so that it can accrue interest in order to send more money to Japan. 

Tickets for the event were $40 and the final turnout was more than what they had expected. Kremin said she was very happy to see the ticket sales jump on the day of the event.

Mullarkey and Kremin plan to continue on raising funds for Japan and said they will do as much as they can until Japan had the resources they need. Although community events like these were to raise awareness, they said, it was also focused on having the whole family understand the big picture.

"I think this is good chance to teach kids about charity," said Mullarkey, whose son had recently participated in a charity event. "It was really good for him to understand and he needs to be involved with those kind of things [charities].  I think it would be good for Japanese kids."