Lebanon Valley College Cherry Blossom Festival Supports Japan Earthquake Relief

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ANNVILLE, PA (03/22/2011)(readMedia)-- A festival to be held at Lebanon Valley College will offer a unique opportunity to learn about Japanese culture while supporting relief efforts related to the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan on March 11. The event-to take place in the Mund College Center at Lebanon Valley College on Friday, April 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.-will feature Japanese foods, a silent auction and raffle, origami for kids, and presentations about Japanese culture and relief efforts. Because LVC's Student Government has generously underwritten the cost of the food, the vast majority of the proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Japanese people.

Tables throughout the dining hall will provide guests an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. Several tables will feature silent auction items including a ceremonial yukata dress, Japanese dolls, silver jewelry, teas, fans, kettles, and baskets. Shiori-ningyo doll bookmarks-a fine art dating back to the samurai period-are being made specifically for the silent auction using authentic Japanese washi paper generously donated by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Yoshida of Hanko Designs (www.hankodesigns.com).

Two authentic Japanese dolls with documentation, valued at about $500 each, have been donated for silent auction at the event. The dolls, probably made in the early or mid-twentieth century for the Girl's Day Festival, are dressed in elaborate kimonos with full head dress, shoes, and undergarments. The quality of the fabric and faces are very fine.

A Hyotan gourd made by a Japanese artist trained in the ancient ceremonial art will also be available for sale. In ancient times, Japanese travelers hung a hyotan gourd around their belts both as a canteen and as an amulet to bring safety. Since then, the gourds have been loved among Japanese people as a symbol of safe travel.

A presentation about the gourd-making process will be available at a table with the gourd. Other presentations which may be viewed throughout the evening will highlight Japanese Haikku poetry and types of Japanese music.

Food offerings available buffet-style throughout the event will include miso soup, fresh Japanese salad, Teriyaki chicken shish kabobs, and Udon noodles. Dessert will feature green tea ice cream and Botan Rice Candy. The cost of the food is being underwritten by LVC's Student Government.

In addition to the food and presentations, children at the event will have an opportunity to try the art of origami.

"The banquet will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about Japanese culture," said Rev. Paul Fullmer, Chaplain at the College and an organizer of the event. "And as we learn about the people of Japan, our compassion for their current situation will grow as well as our response to the needs." According to Fullmer, such cultural education is an integral part of the College's mission. "It is important to expose students and the community to the diversity of cultures that they are likely to experience in the world."

Information about relief efforts in Japan will also be available at the tables.

The event is being coordinated by the officers of LVC's Disaster Relief Coalition, a student-led organization that seeks to raise awareness about major national and international disasters within the LVC community as well as to facilitate a communal response toward relief. Student leaders of the Coalition planned the event with other members of the College community following a brainstorming session they sponsored in the days following the earthquake. "After first learning about the earthquake that hit Japan, we wanted to help raise awareness and funds to help the Japanese people," Jimmy Kroll, a student leader of the Disaster Relief Coalition, shared. "The accompanying tsunami as well as difficulties related to nuclear power have resulted in a situation where the needs are quite significant. We are more than happy to help out in any way that we can."

St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Lebanon has also made significant contributions to the event.

Tickets cost $15 each for general admission and $5 for students and children. All proceeds from the event will benefit relief efforts for earthquake victims in Japan. For reservations, which are appreciated but not necessary, call the Office of Spiritual Life at (717) 867-6135 by Wednesday, April 5.

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For more information about the program, contact the Office of Spiritual Life at (717) 867-6135. Contact Stacy Stroup, Catering Manager, at (717) 867-6850 or stroup@lvc.edu for information about the Japanese foods to be served. Diana Gregory at (717) 567-3194 or fdj17074@embarqmail.com will answer questions related to the celebration of Japanese culture at the event. Contact student Jimmy Kroll at jtweks@gmail.com for information about LVC's Disaster Relief Coalition.