Japan fundraiser
Local Latin, pop and jazz band Abrakadabra will perform to raise money for Japan tsunami relief on Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m. at Kah Asian Restaurant and Lounge, 1019 Manhattan Beach Blvd. The restaurant will donate a portion of its sales between noon and midnight to the International Medical Corps, which is assisting in Japanese evacuation centers and aiding victims in their homes.
“We just wanted to do something to help in some way,” said guitarist Jon Coleman, who approached Kah’s owners about the fundraiser when he booked the band’s first local performance since the disaster. “It’s all about feeling a part of the family of man – when one of us hurts, we all do. And it’s great when a portion of enjoying fine food with fun entertainment can help a charitable cause.”
The family of Kah co-owner, Lorisa Vejphuyarn, was involved in the Thaliand tsunami that hit in 2004.
“I grew up in Thailand, and though I wasn’t there when that disaster hit, many in my family were on hand to help out directly,” she said. “My brother would’ve been in harm’s way, but his flight to Thailand at that time was delayed, and actually spared him. We know what it’s like to suddenly lose everything, and we chose the International Medical Corps because they assisted us in Thailand, too.”
For more information, visit www.kahasian.com, www.abrakadabramusic.com, or www.internationalmedicalcorps.org. To make reservations at Kah, call 310-545-4888.
Principal Passes
Former Grand View Elementary principal Milton Rugg passed away on April 14 at the age of 88.
To honor and remember Rugg, former Grand View teachers and alumni will hold a gathering this Saturday at 10 a.m. at the upper playground at Grand View, 455 24th St.
“Milt Rugg was a guardian angel for all of us,” said Anita Robinson, Rugg’s longtime secretary at the school. “He cared deeply and took great responsibility for the welfare of the Grand View family. He established an incredibly warm, supportive culture at Grand View which became a part of the DNA of the school, carrying on to this day.”
Born in Seattle on Jan. 12, 1923, Rugg was the youngest of Maurice and Florence Rugg’s three children. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a fighter pilot during World War II and as a pilot in the Korean War. He worked as a teacher and later as a principal for more than 30 years in the Manhattan Beach City School District. He continued to substitute teach at Grand View after he retired from his position as principal in 1988.
“Retirement did not end his determination that Grand View would continue to flourish and be a safe, friendly place for students,” Robinson said. “If he knew Grand View needed him to help, without question, he would be there. Milt was humble, self-less and understated, but so powerful in his influence of others. His noble actions and fearless, intelligent leadership were focused continually on kids. It was an honor and a great fortune for me to be given the opportunity to follow in his special footsteps.”
Rugg is survived by his wife Nancy, son Richard and daughter, Susan.
For more information, email justintheweb@yahoo.com.
Diaper collection
People who donate a case of diapers or a cash donation of at least $20 to any Fresh Brothers Pizza location this Saturday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. will receive a gift certificate for a free 7-inch pizza.
The diaper drive is being held on behalf of “Help a Mother Out,” an organization dedicated to increasing access to diapers for families in need. Fresh Brothers will hold the event in honor of Mother’s Day and to “give back to our community and in turn, to our customers.”
“As a business owner, and a mother of 6 year-old twins, I can think of no better way to celebrate Mother’s Day, which also happens to be my birthday,” said co-owner Debbie Goldberg.
Fresh Brothers locations include Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Marina Del Rey, Westlake Village and Calabasas. For more information, visit www.freshbrothers.com. ER
