District 15's Japan Relief Fair raises $10,000

Thanks to an abundance of time, effort and creativity contributed by families across the Palatine Township Elementary District 15 community, the Japan Relief Fair held earlier this month proved a resounding success.

The event, which took place at Frank C. Whiteley School, raised more than $10,000 for the American Red Cross as it works to assist those in need after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan's northeast coast March 11.

More than 300 people attended the fair, which was organized by Whiteley bilingual teacher and Japan native Yuko Nakagawa.

About 150 volunteers helped man a variety of booths, where small donations allowed guests to play Japanese games, participate in a traditional tea ceremony or dress in a kimono.

Anyone hungry could use chopsticks to pick out candy or nosh on rice balls and California rolls.

“We're so proud of these families for coming together to plan this outreach effort, and we're incredibly grateful for all that they, themselves, contributed to make it such an incredible success,” Whiteley Principal Mary Szuch said.