Typhoon Haiyan Disaster Relief
Like so many others around the world, we were devastated to learn about the destruction throughout the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan, which hit six of the country’s islands on November 8. Over the years, we’ve come to know and love the Philippines—traveling the country in search of delicious food led us to remarkable individuals, who opened their homes to us, invited us to their tables, and treated us with such generosity that friendship became inevitable. The storm has affected 9.8 million Filipinos, with over 600,000 Filipinos displaced and death tolls in the thousands. Many survivors are without food and water. In an effort to help the best way they know how, restaurants across the United States have planned benefit events to help the typhoon relief effort—here's how you can help:
RESTAURANT BENEFITS
New York Area:
Join Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop and the city council president for a few plates of tapas at Port-O Lounge (286 1st St; 201/420-9550) on Thursday, Nov. 14. The Portuguese eatery will donate a portion of the night's receipts to the Red Cross, and diners can also donate directly to a Red Cross representative who will be on site. Just write "Philippines typhoon and flood" in the memo.
The Purple Yam (1314 Cortelyou Rd; 718/940-8188) a Filipino fusion restaurant in the Ditmas Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, has planned two days of price-fixe meals for Brooklyn brunchers. No word yet as to what the $40 price tag gets you, but all proceeds go straight to the relief effort. Reservations are recommended for the events on Sunday, Nov. 17 and 24 from 11aA.M.–4P.M..
In October, Payag Restaurant (51-34 Roosevelt Ave; 347/935-3192) in Queens began weekly benefit shows to benefit earthquake victims in the Philippine towns of Bohol and Cebu. In light of the recent tragedy, the money raised will now be divided between earthquake and typhoon victims. Attendees can enjoy the Filipino restaurant's specialties, like crispy, deep-fried lumpia and tender Beef Salpicao, while listening to a live benefit show from local Filipino acts; the restaurant changes the line-up weekly.
San Antonio:
Get your fill of authentic sticky rice and adobo on Friday, Dec. 13 at Filipino Express (4963 NW Loop 410; 210/681-0089). The line-up has not been finalized, but organizers are planning a talent showcase to entertain diners throughout the event. All proceeds go to typhoon relief.
Chicago:
The Philippine Consul General will host a fundraising lunch at Sunda (110 W Illinois St; 312/644-0500) on Friday, Nov. 15. The restaurant typically serves New Asian specialties, like Crispy Rice with Kobe Beef Tartare, but the menu will be strictly Filipino for this event, which runs from 11:30A.M.–3P.M.
Juneau:
The Filipino Community Inc. teams up with the Filipino Community Hall (251 S Franklin St; 907/586-4116) to throw a fundraising dinner on Saturday, Nov. 23. The menu is still unplanned, but tickets run $15 for a single adult and $25 per couple.
FOOD RELIEF CHARITIES
If you're unable to make it to a benefit, there are still plenty of ways to help Filipinos in need:
A $35 one-time donation to World Vision supplies a food kit that feeds a family for one week.
Red Cross is distributing food to survivors in the worst-hit areas and providing hot meals at shelters.
Gawad Kalinga USA's immediate goal is to raise enough money for 200,000 food packs, which feed one family for 3-4 days. A $5 donation buys one pack.
Feed the Children is bringing food and clean water to devastated areas.
World Food Programme is delivering High Energy Biscuits to families and children. A $100 donation provides 1000 packs of biscuits.
Over 500 aid workers with** Mercy Corps** are providing food and water to victims, especially women and children.
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