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Keiro's Benefit Dinner 2010 at the California Science Center, Wallis Annenberg Building. (Photo by Ken Matsui Images Photography) | On June 19, over 400 supporters participated in Keiro Senior HealthCare’s Benefit Dinner “Itadakimasu: A Culinary Experience from the Heart of Our Community” at the California Science Center –Wallis Annenberg Building in Los Angeles. As Keiro leads up to its 50th anniversary in 2011, the organization is celebrating Keiro’s Living Treasures – its founders, volunteers, residents, and staff - and the values they personify, recognizing that taking care of our respected elders is still an important community value.
All net proceeds from the event benefited Keiro’s endowment fund, which helps to ensure Keiro’s ability to continue meeting the ever-changing health care needs of seniors at Keiro Nursing Home, South Bay Keiro Nursing Home, Keiro Intermediate Care Facility, Keiro Retirement Home or in the community through The Institute for Healthy Aging at Keiro.
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Linda Aratani speaks on behalf of her family. (Photo by Ken Matsui Images Photography) | “I, along with my family, want to encourage everyone here tonight to continue regularly supporting Keiro’s Endowment Fund so that Keiro will always be here for you and your family,” said Linda Aratani, daughter of Keiro founder George and Sakaye Aratani, addressing the audience.
In lieu of a formal program, emcee Naomi Hirahara led guests on a dining adventure exploring the ways in which Keiro cares for its residents through the metaphor of the meal.
“Every aspect of the dining experience, from the ingredients and their origins in the ocean, fields, and farms, through the creative preparation and thoughtful presentation at the table, was especially designed to offer insights into Keiro’s 49 continuous years of care and the heartfelt dedication of its people,” said Gary Kawaguchi, chairman of the 2010 benefit dinner committee.
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Spring salad with seafood. (Photo by Ken Matsui Images Photography) | The menu, designed by Andy Nakano and prepared by a team of seasoned chefs, incorporated generous donations of the highest quality ingredients from our own community, including a wide array of seafood from American Fish and Seafood Co., fresh produce from Hiji Bros., assorted Japanese products from Mutual Trading Co. and Miyako Oriental Foods, beef from Sodexo, chicken and duck from Roger’s Poultry Co., and kaiware from Fuji Natural Foods. Beverages and wine were contributed by Sodexo. Additional support was provided by Upper Crust Enterprises, Inc. and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
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2010 Benefit Dinner Committee Chairman Gary Kawaguchi, winner Joshua Urquidi, Kaycee Takashima of American Honda Motor Co., Inc, and Keiro President & CEO Shawn Miyake. (Photo by Ken Matsui Images Photography) | At the end of the evening, Keiro held its much-anticipated opportunity drawing and announced Joshua Urquidi as the winner of the all-new 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid, generously donated by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
“We thank everyone who attended, sponsored, and planned for this event, including the volunteer dinner committee members, culinary consultant Andy Nakano, Premiere Sponsors Paul and Hisako Terasaki and The Aratani Foundation, Opportunity Drawing Sponsor American Honda Motor Co., Inc., table sponsors, in-kind sponsors, donors, and individual guests,” said Kawaguchi.
“It is our hope that through the dining experience, video presentations, and testimonials, guests would come away with a “taste” of the heartfelt dedication behind Keiro’s personalized care and resources,” said Shawn Miyake, president and CEO. “We look forward to everyone’s continued involvement next year as we celebrate Keiro’s golden anniversary – 50 years of service to seniors in our community.”
Keiro Senior HealthCare began in 1961 with a mission to enhance the quality of senior life in Our Community. Keiro, the largest not-for-profit organization serving the Japanese American community, provides a full continuum of care through Keiro Nursing Home, South Bay Keiro Nursing Home, Keiro Intermediate Care Facility, and Keiro Retirement Home. It also provides wellness education, resources, and empowerment through The Institute for Healthy Aging at Keiro. Whether “home” is a Keiro facility or a place in the community, Keiro is an extension of family, enriching the lives of seniors with supportive, culturally-sensitive services and promoting healthy “genki living” in our community.
For more information about supporting Keiro, please visit our Get Involved page or call Resource Development at (323) 980-7513. You may also make a donation online.
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