As the news from Japan just gets worse, and the images more horrifying, a number of Berkeley merchants are taking action to help the victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that took place there last week.
Saturn Café, at 2175 Allston Way, is hosting an art show and fundraiser on Thursday 17th, 7-10pm, with all proceeds going to Doctor Without Borders to fund aid for Tsunami victims in Japan. There will be music, art, food, drinks and community. The featured artist for the night will be Berkeley’s Stoye Milburn who will showcase his Cosmology set in the Space Lounge. Stoye is also a member of the Firehouse art collective in Berkeley. Music comes courtesy of local musician Ryan Dishen.
Stores on Center Street in Downtown are matching donations from customers to support Japan relief efforts — donations will be matched up to a total of $1,000.
Meanwhile, Samin Nosrat, the brains behind the Pop-Up General Store, is organizing a Bakesale for Japan with the participation of Gioia Pizzeria, Chez Panisse, BiRite Market & Creamery, Pizzaiolo, Tartine Bakery, and Summer Kitchen Bake Shop, among others. The bakesales will take place at several locations around the Bay Area on Saturday April 2, 10am-2pm.
Participants will be folding 1,000 paper cranes to send to friends in Japan. Last year, a Bakesale for Haiti raised $23,000 — Nosrat is hoping to double, triple, or even quadruple that number this time.
If you know of any other efforts in Berkeley to help people affected by the disasters in Japan, please let us know in the Comments.
Update, 12:58: The Gardener store will donate 10% of this Saturday’s (March 19) sales from their three locations to Japan earthquake relief.
Update, 15.46: Japanese design boutique Momoca is having a fund-raising bazaar for Japan on Saturday March 19th, 11am-4pm, at 2599 Telegraph Ave. @ Parker Street. Handmade items like Japanese kimono fabric bags, ceramics by Japanese artists, Momoca hats, second-hand household items, shoes, vintage collectible stuff, and “Japan Earthquake Relief Fund ” T-shirts for sale. All proceeds will be donated to Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco.
