IRVINE — Walk the Farm 2013 — a fundraiser to aide a select group of farmers in Japan’s Tohoku region whose lives were turned upside down by the earthquake/tsunami on March 11, 2011 — will take place on Saturday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tanaka Farms, 5380 ¾ University Dr., Irvine.
Orange Coast Optimist and Tanaka Farms invite you out for a leisurely 1.5-mile walk around the farm sampling freshly harvested fruits and vegetables.
Entertainment will include Yuujou Daiko, Yamaha Music School (keyboards), Orange County Friendship Choir, Gardena Yuujou Taiko, OCO Kibou Taiko, Montessori School Children’s Choir, and Halau Hawaii OC (hula).
Attending this year’s walk will be representatives from Fukushima Kenjinkai, Miyagi Kenjinkai and Iwate Kenjinkai, who will give updates on the recovery process in their respective prefectures.
Over 500 people are volunteering their time for this event. Supporters include Union Bank, Keiro, Orange County Buddhist Church Sangha Teens/Jr YBA/Girl Scouts, Bolsa Interact, Japanese American Optimist Club, Chapman’s Women Bball Team, Hiroken, Toyota, South Bay Community Church, Suburban Optimist Club of Buena Park, OCO Octagons and Junior Optimists, VFW, Yonsei, Orange County Queens Council, Ironmen, Minami family, Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M), Little Tokyo Budokan, Woodbridge High School Japanese Club, and many individuals.
See the website for a complete list of sponsors.
Alan Miyatake has donated a $250 gift certificate from his photography studio as one of the raffle prizes.
Register to become a walker and with your $25 donation you will receive: a scenic view as you “walk the farm”; bottled water; sample fruits and vegetables from the farm; shaved ice; other snacks; and the knowledge that you are helping a community to rebuild their farms. Register on-site; online registration is closed.
Dog registration is $5. Check-in for dogs is between 12 and 2 p.m.
Carpools are recommended as parking is limited.
For more information, email walk@walkthefarm.com or visit www.walkthefarm.com/ or Walk the Farm’s Facebook page.