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.
Katie, this is SUCH a great idea! You’re so sweet 🙂
I’ll do my part by bidding. Though what is the deadline for submitting a baked good? I have a recipe I’m attempting this weekend and if it turns out good I would love to contribute!
The pictures of you in Japan are ADORABLE! They remind me of my little sister, except she wouldn’t be caught dead in pink clothes.
The deadline for the email is next Thursday, but you don’t actually have to MAKE the baked good until after the bake sale ends (on the 5th).
This sounds like a great idea, but help me clarify some things here, guys. Soooo, we can bid on the baked good items that people will be sending to you, and whoever has the highest bid on the specific baked good idea will receive the baked good and that money will be donated to red cross?
***baked good item, not idea. haha oops.
Yup! 🙂
Here’s an example of a blog bake sale, from the wonderful Tina at CarrotsnCake: http://carrotsncake.com/2010/12/holiday-bake-sale.html
Hmm..does it have to be our OWN recipe? Because I could sure donate a good, but…I don’t have any recipes of my own lol.
Using another’s recipe should be okay though? I mean, I wouldn’t be receiving the money after all. Those in need of it, will.
You can DEFINITELY use someone else’s recipe!! 🙂
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! 🙂