Local Waitress Launches Effort To Help Japan Earthquake Victims

A fundraiser for the on-going relief efforts in Japan was launched by a Palm Springs-area waitress, and she is now looking for more restaurants to participate.

Restaurants will be donating a portion of all meals purchased on April 22-23, 2011 to the American Red Cross.

?RESTAURANTS 4 RELIEF? is the inspiration of local waitress Sora Matsunaga, a local Japanese-American born in Palm Springs.

Having immigrated to the U.S. in 1990, Sora?s family is originally from Tokyo and Nagasaki. Her father Shin Matsunaga has worked in restaurants throughout the desert since 1998.

Sora and her sister, Moka, currently work at Legacy Thai Cuisine in La Quinta.

Matsunaga has partnered with the American Red Cross, Riverside County Chapter, to offer this opportunity for Coachella Valley residents to enjoy a dining experience while helping to support the relief efforts in Japan.

To date, participating restaurants include Legacy Thai Cuisine in La Quinta, Beer Hunter Sports Bar in La Quinta and Del Taco in five locations throughout the desert.

Donations have also been given to the American Red Cross by The Olive Garden and Mario?s Italian Caf.

Matsunaga is currently seeking additional restaurants to participate in ?RESTAURANTS 4 RELIEF?.

For more information, please call Sora at (760) 391-2263 or email her directly here.