September 8, 2005

Almaden reaches out to hurricane victims

Almaden neighbors raising funds for Katrina victims

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Overwhelmed by the devastation that Hurricane Katrina created for her fellow Americans, Almaden resident Michelle Takeuchi spearheaded a fund-raising effort with her children, friends and neighbors this past Sunday.

Kids and moms pitched in for flood relief victims this past Sunday. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“I want to support those who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina,” said Takeuchi from the cross corners of McAbee Road and Crossgates Lane where two stands offered lemonade, cookies, popsicles and popcorn. “We are so grateful that our children have so much and we want them to learn compassion but you never know what is going to happen. This breaks my heart. We are all part of this country. Those who have been displaced have our hearts and we want to do something for them.”

Takeuchi e-mailed all her friends, family and neighbors who in turn did the same informing hundreds about the fundraiser. Her efforts resulted over a dozen children and parents waving flags and flood relief signs, which prompted passing motorists and pedestrians to donate money that will be forwarded to the American Red Cross.

The kids did their part shouting “help the flood victims,” “lemonade for relief” and “help America” as cars drove by. The neighborhood relief effort was assisted by Almaden resident Heidi Imobersteg who donated the popcorn, Crossgates Community Pool offered the lemonade and other neighbors supplied the cookies, popsicles and supplies needed to stage the event. And they orchestrated the fundraiser in just a couple of days.

“I heard about it through an e-mail,” said Maelin Bishop with her daughter 6-year-old Megan, who attends Graystone Elementary, in tow. “She brought all her change to donate to the victims.”

“Please stop, help the flood victims,” the kids proclaimed to passing motorists at the recent Hurricane Katrina flood relief.

Kids’ emptied piggy banks, motorists dropped off $20 bills and Las Madres Neighborhood Playgroups donated $50 when they heard about the grassroots effort to help those most in need in the country. Donations were met with cheers of gratitude from the elementary-aged children.

“We are hoping a lot of people will stop and give money for the flood victims,” said 7-year-old Christopher Takeuchi, who attends second grade at Los Alamitos Elementary School and took a moment from waving American flags and posters to prompt passersby’s to stop and donate to comment on the disaster. “It is very sad that they lost their homes. We want to help.”

Other neighborhood children who helped at the road side donation drop off were Sofia and Loretta Ison, Christopher Raimondi, Mathew and Jillian Takeuchi, Marissa and Christopher Hidalgo, Collin Thrower, John Bayer IV, John, Andrew and Karoline Imobersteg, John Giacinto, Lindsey and Lauren Fredericks, Kevin Wach, Cammy, Jeanine and Erick Noordam, Chris-topher and Colin Van Eijk and their parents. Many others saw the fund-raiser and pitched in to help on a moment’s notice.

As of press time, the event raised $1,400 for Hurricane Katrina victims with more donations pledged during the week.