A group of local West Seattle businesses are participating in West Seattle for Japan this Sunday to raise funds to benefit victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Beer Junction and Beveridge Place Pub are doing their part, so stop on by to pick up some beers to-go at Beer Junction or grab a couple pints and watch NCAA games at Beveridge Place this Sunday. Beveridge Place will have a few beers on tap and in bottles from Japan, including Hitachino Espresso Stout, Sapporo, Orion Lager, and Coedo Shikkoku Scwarz. A full press release is below, but visit the fundraiser’s Facebook page to see what other businesses are joining in.

A group of 19 West Seattle businesses have organized a community fundraising effort to benefit victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. A portion of proceeds from sales on Sunday, March 27th will be donated to Peace Winds Japan and Knk International.

The two beneficiaries were selected to address three specific focus areas:
– first response to the disaster providing support to address immediate needs of food, medical attention and shelter;
– assisting individuals (with a focus on children) to cope with the lingering effects of post-disaster trauma;
– future disaster preparedness in rebuilding

Dave Montoure, co-owner of the West 5 restaurant, came up with the concept. Montoure, who lived in the Iwate Prefecture of Japan for several years, felt that he had to do something to support the Japanese communities that had become his extended family. The Iwate Prefecture is one of the hardest-hit areas in Japan.

“I am getting daily updates from friends in Iwate,” Montoure noted. “They are asking for help which is very uncharacteristic of the Japanese culture and is telling of how dire the situation is on the ground.”

The idea began with West 5 and quickly spread to other West Seattle restaurants and bars. Energized by the opportunity to help reduce suffering in Japan, other West Seattle retail businesses jumped on board. At the time of writing, 19 businesses are participating and include:

West 5
Shadowland
The Mission
Beveridge Place Pub
Bin 41
Mashiko
Cherry Consignment
Fresh Bistro
Jak’s Grill
Wing Dome

Community members who would like to donate and support the relief effort can find an updated list of participants and details for the day on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westseattleforjapan

– Feedback Lounge
– Easy Street Records & Café
– Porterhouse
– Skylark Café & Club
– The Bridge
– Spring Hill
– Coffee to a Tea with Sugar
– Meander’s Kitchen
– West Seattle Produce

West Seattle businesses who would like to participate are warmly welcomed and can contact Dave Montoure at (206) 719-3283

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About Peace Winds Japan
Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) (www.peace-winds.org/en) is an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), dedicated to the support of people in distress, threatened by conflict, poverty, or other turmoil. With its headquarters in Japan, PWJ has been active in various parts of the world. Now, with the advent of the earthquake and tsunami, PWJ is focusing efforts in Japan.

About KnK International
KnK International (http://knk-network.org)is devoted to supporting disadvantaged youth in Asia and encouraging international friendships. In the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, KnK is focused on the support of people and children in the devastated area of Japan.