Lend a Hand for Japan

Meeting St., Charleston, S.C.

I like this house on Meeting St. Have I missed anyone's house yet? Surely I've taken pictures almost every corner on the peninsula of Charleston.

In other news, here is some info on a fundraiser in support of Japan that will be held next Wednesday. Spread the word! Here is the link for tickets: Lend a hand for Japan at the SC Aquarium


CHARLESTON (March 29, 2011) - At the S.C. Aquarium on Wed. April 6, from 7-10 p.m., restaurants including Tristan, Triangle Char and Bar, O-Ku, Roti Rolls, Fleet Landing, 82 Queen, Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ, Smoky Oak Taproom, Cork Neighborhood Bistro, 17 North Roadside Kitchen, Sunfire Grill, Wasabi, Tommy Condon's, and Queen Street Grocery will put their spin on Japanese cuisine, and local guest bartenders will serve up specialty cocktails to Lend a Hand to Japan. There will also be live musical entertainment, and guests will be free to explore all of the Aquarium's exhibits.

The event is a fundraiser to aid Japan via the Japanese Association of Zoos & Aquariums (JAZA) along with the American Red Cross.

The massive earthquake and resulting tsunami on March 11, 2011 in Northern Japan damaged 14 animal institutions located in Japan. The worst damage occurred at facilities located on the coast of Tohuku area. Institutions like the Aquamarine Fukushima and Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium experienced critical damage including structural, electrical, and environmental. Because these institutions are not able to distribute basic necessities like food and water, the animals at the zoos and aquariums there have suffered greatly.

Right now the World's Community of Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) are rallying behind Japanese institutions affected by the tragedy. The South Carolina Aquarium is a member of both WAZA and the AZA.

"Among the many casualties of the tragic earthquake and tsunami were several of Japan's leading aquariums and zoos," said Kevin Mills, South Carolina Aquarium president and CEO. "We are proud to host of this community effort that will in part aid our sister institutions in their recovery."

One hundred percent of the ticket sales and silent auction proceeds will benefit JAZA and the American Red Cross, which are already mobilized and on the ground providing aid in Japan. Tickets are a minimum donation of $40 and everything is included.

Advance tickets are available at helpjapancharleston.eventbrite.com/ and will be on sale at the door the night of the event.

Lend a Hand to Japan is being made possible through the generous support of numerous local organizations including Charleston City Paper, the South Carolina Aquarium, Stage Presence and Other Brother Entertainment, and Two Fish Enterprises. All participating organizations have generously donated their time, services, and products to make this evening possible.