By now, everyone has seen the ruin and devastation in the wake of the 7.0 earthquake that hit Port AU Prince in Haiti. The devastation has even hit home in Tacoma, as the news has just reported how a 22 year old Tacoma girl (working as a volunteer for a nonprofit -Friends of the Orphans). The port is devastated as are the runways making disaster relief very difficult. There is an estimated 50,000 dead with projections that it could top 100,000.
Additionally, the ramifications of this disaster is likely to last years. So how can you help? What can you do? One option (although unicef, American red cross and many other ways to help exist
) is show that you LIVE UNITED and donate
Donate Money:
Easy: Text HAITI to 864833 (UNITED). And you can give $5 to the relief efforts via the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund.
Want to give more… donations can also be given online to the fund vial www.liveunited.org or by calling 1-866-404-5826. This also a great way to ask any questions you may have about the fund.
Donate products (goods/services):
AidMatrix Network: www.aidmatrix.org ; or
Gifts in Kind international (go to www.liveunited.org) — this is primarily for corporate donors who wish to give in large donations
United Way (via United Way Worldwide) has a team of volunteers in the Caribbean region that have mobilized and our in an advisory capacity as they are determining how ot best support the long-term recovery needs. This would include access to health care, rebuilding schools, housing, as well as basic needs such as food, water, and clothing.
Chef Naccaratto and some of us at PG
At this time of the year, between work functions, friend’s parties, shopping, and trying to retain some semblance of your sanity – it probably took some effort to set aside some time to come to the Pacific Grill for “Thanksmas.” I know I was reduced to setting alarms on my Iphone to remind me of where I was supposed to be next.
So I want to thank each and every one of you for coming out and supporting us and our community. 42 people attended and helped us raise $420 for our community! The food was fantastic, as was the hot buttered rum. I had the shrimp but stole some of the flat iron steak off my girlfriend’s plate when she wasn’t looking. Just kidding Sarah. However, the food was incredible. And so was the turnout. The evening was quite moving, seeing scores of officers from all over the country on attendance as well. Knowing they were here in Tacoma, to show solidarity and support of the four fallen Lakewood officers, their families, and those who still serve our community.
So thanks again and hope you enjoy the holidays. From all of us with Project:U …See you in 2010.
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Tuesday 8 December | 6pm – 8pm | Pacific Grill, 1502 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma
There is no better way in my opinion to enjoy the holiday’s then good food and good friends. Well except perhaps a nice glass of wine sitting right beside my plate. This is a chance for us to get together to celebrate this season at a fun event that will also benefit our community. Chef Gordon Naccarato and his folks will be preparing a special 3-course menu for us at an incredible price of $35.
This is a true treat as the mild mannered, warm-hearted, Tacoma born and raised Gordon is also a renowned chef. Recognized by Food and Wine Magazine as a top new chef in 1988, he has cooked for the likes of Michael Jackson, Supreme Court Justices, Neil Diamond, Jack Nicholson, Donald Trump, and now us. The real holiday gift comes from the generosity of Pacific Grill, as $10 of each meal from the special menu will go to the United Way of Pierce County.
So come for a happy-hour drink and stay for dinner. The Menu will tempt the pickiest of diners; regardless of what you select, the one thing I know is that at PG it will be a fantastic feast. Please call and make a reservation and let them know it is for the Project:U event. You can do so at http://www.pacificgrilltacoma.com/reservations.html or you can call PG at 253.627.3535.
So Invite everyone you know… and if you are new and looking to join a table let us know or inquire with our facebook friends. See you there.
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Get your red on and gear up for the 18 annual Pierce County AIDS Foundation (PCAF) AIDS Walk. This year is the third I’ve been involved, although my first as a walker. Imagine a sea of red, ribbons and a touch of rowdiness, as people march in the memory of loved ones they have lost, to show camaraderie in the battle against this disease and to help raise money for PCAF. The walk is around 2 miles and people of all age and abilities can participate.
I suggest that you show up a half hour or so early so you can feel the energy in the crowd and see moving displays that map the history of this fight.
I’ll be captaining the Mix team, along with Brock Leach, owner of the Mix Bar in downtown Tacoma. If you’re not a walker, but like sipping coffee and providing support – contact Beth at PCAF 253.383.3565 to volunteer. Or, sponsor a team (perhaps mine : ) at piercecountyaids.org. Help PCAF reach their goal to raise $125,000.
Pierce County has the 2nd highest incidence of new infections in Washington and 80% of PCAF clients have incomes of less than $10,000 per year.
When: Saturday, September 12th | 9am -1pm
Where: UW Tacoma
Questions: Beth at PCAF 253.383.3565
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