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.
Yay! I am so excited for this 🙂 I can’t wait!!!
you had me at “help”!
does the donated good need to be vegan?
yes
Great idea Katie! I lived in Japan for a couple months to Japan is very close to my heart too
You are so awesome Katie. I don’t know if I’ll have time to contribute a baked good, but I’ll definitely help you spread the word.
Although I’ll be out of town during the sale, I’ll be happy to spread the word as much as I can. I know plenty of people in real life as well as online who’d be excited to help. Thanks for such a thoughtful idea, Katie!
Aw Kelli, that would mean SO much to me! Spreading the word is probably MORE important than bidding, because it gets OTHER people to bid! 🙂
Thank you for your fundraising efforts for Japan. It’s great to see people helping in their unique ways (baking, or in my case, running). I’ll check back to see what goodies are for auction.
I love things like this! Because I don’t have a lot of $ to donate, but I have time and some kitchen skill. Thanks for organizing it. I will for sure donate. Can I do two things? I have a baked idea and a raw one.
ps: LOVE your little kid pics. I had a bowl cut too. 🙂
Oh my gosh, YES! And lol I will probably bid on both, knowing your skills!
This is an *amazing* idea, Katie. 🙂 I’m really excited for this bake sale!
Just sent you an email :).
What an awesome idea, Katie! I love that your using your influence to make a real difference!
I’m not used to thinking about what I could make that’s vegan…Hmmmmm, let me get back to you while I ponder what I could make!
Sent you an email :). Later I’ll blog about it. Thanks for having such a big heart for people in need!
Ahh! Your chocolate bars look awesome! YOU have the sweetest heart! 🙂