By Daily Press staff
Responding to the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast, Benihana Inc. has announced plans to donate 100 percent of Benihana roll sales nationally from Oct. 10 through Oct. 16 to the United States Fund for UNICEF’s recovery efforts for hurricane victims.
With 72 Benihana restaurants throughout the United States, including one in Santa Monica, the restaurant chain has pledged the donations to UNICEF, which was selected based on its strong history of supporting vulnerable children in need, without regard for border or class, restaurant representatives said.
Throughout the ongoing relief efforts, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF is partnering with businesses and non-governmental organizations to deliver the much-needed supplies and technical assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina.
For instance, recognizing that Hurricane Katrina left hundreds of thousands of school-age child evacuees without classrooms and school supplies at the start of the traditional U.S. school term, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF is coordinating the delivery of UNICEF “School-in-a-Box” kits to several aid partners assisting the displaced population.
The “School in a Box” is a mobile classroom for 80 pupils that can be used in any setting. It consists of a metal box and teacher’s bag, a teacher’s guide and teaching materials.
The kit also includes writing materials including chalk, pencils, sharpeners and exercise books for children.
The proceeds from the program will be donated to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF on Oct. 24, United Nations Day. Cleaning up domestic violence
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 6, 2005. Read the original PDF.