Today, I need to use my blog voice for a more important message than desserts or recipes.
More important than chocolate?!?
Yes, yes. Some things are. Hard to believe, but it’s true.
I grew up in Japan.
The Japanese culture greatly impacted my life. My babysitter, my father’s sweet secretary, the 100-year-old sensei (teacher) from whom I learned origami… these people helped shape who I am today.
As a whole, the Japanese are some of the kindest, most well-mannered people you’d ever want to meet. So their current situation is heartbreaking. I just keep thinking, “Why did it have to happen to such wonderful people?” (Not that I wouldn’t think the same thing if the devastation occurred elsewhere. You don’t want something like that to happen anywhere.)
Every time I watch or read about what’s going on in Japan, I feel useless. I’ve already donated money, but I’m nowhere near as wealthy as Britney Spears (who reportedly gave millions to the country). Isn’t there another way I can help? Then I realized…
Duh, Katie! Your blog!
I have a voice… but what good is having a voice if you don’t use it to help? So that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m going to use my blog to ask y’all to help me help them. I know a lot of you feel exactly as I do: “I’ve already given money. What else can I do?” What else can you do?
You can eat!
We are food bloggers (and readers), after all. 
.
“Help Japan” Blogger Bake Sale
On Tuesday, April 5th, I’ll host a blogger bake sale to benefit the Red Cross. If you’ve never participated in a blog bake sale before, here’s a little about how it works: bloggers (or readers) offer to donate a food item (just like in a regular bake sale) and people will bid on these items. The highest bidders will make a donation to red cross (more on how to do this later), and the baker will ship the actual food to the winner.
Ways you can help:
- Donate a vegan baked good
- Bid on a baked good, during the virtual bake sale (April 5th)
What do you think?
If you’d like to donate a baked good, please send me an email with the name of the food, a photo, and where you’ll be willing to ship, by this Saturday (April 2nd). (Also, because this is a vegan blog, all items must be vegan. They don’t need to actually be baked, though. Raw treats are welcome!)
I’ll donate something too: These Fudge Babies.
I didn’t know you grew up in Japan, that’s very cool! And incredibly noble of you to be doing this to give back to them! 🙂 I’d love to join in!!
This is such a great idea, you are so thoughtful Katie. I’d love to donate a baked good, even if that doesn’t work out I”ll definitely do whatever I can to get the word out about what you’re doing.
What a great idea Katie! Japan holds a special place in my heart too. I took Japanese as a foreign language from 5th grade-12 grade. Although I’ve never visited, it’s always been a dream of mine. The people are so warm and friendly. It’s absolutely devastating what’s happened to them. I’m organizing a bake sale too at my grandparent’s church later this month with all the proceeds going to 2 charities that are working in Japan. Thank you for all you’re doing!
You are awesome for doing this! I will surely be participating 🙂 Can’t wait!
I’m off to spread the word!
Wonderful idea Katie! I’ll definitely be donating a baked good.
Now to think of something that can be shipped without getting too messy…
Hey hey! I’ll be emailing you today with my bake sale goodies 🙂
p.s – i made your “spinach” ice cream last night – sooooooo good! You popped up in another one of my posts. I think I just need to hire you as my personal chef! 🙂
Great idea! Hope all those near and dear are safe…
WOW! Such a great idea 🙂
Awww… Katie this is a fabulous idea!! The world is lucky to have such sweet, caring people like you! 😀
Sounds fantastic, Katie! I’ll e-mail you soon!
This is such a beautiful idea.
I also adore asian culture, and have always been a little envious that you grew up there! It breaks my heart that it happened there too, but I can’t imagine how you must feel. That picture of you is wonderful–it’s surprising because there are so many grown adults here who haven’t mastered chopsticks like little you has in that picture! 🙂
I’d love to bid on April 5 🙂 I’m not sure I’m confident enough in any desserts of mine yet to donate, but maybe I’ll experiment and see what I come up with 🙂
Great idea! I will definitely be bidding. Can’t wait 🙂
What a great idea Katie! You know we will love to help out! I will send you an email 😉
xoxo
Katie, if I had a best-person-of-the-year-award I would give it to you. I cannot wait for this, I am going to think about it for awhile and I’ll get back with you tomorrow on what I am going to make!
Thank you so much for everything you do.
Whitney
I love this idea!! I’ll be emailing you as soon as I figure out something that might catch people’s interest :]
I will donate something if you still need it! Let me know! I have a great homemade granola recipe that I am sure someone will enjoy!
Definitely!! I’d looooove it if you donated some homemade granola!