Just a few short weeks ago, the world witnessed massive devastation in Japan. With heart-wrenching photos pouring in, first of a magnitude 9 earthquake, followed by a terrifying tsunami, then a nuclear meltdown, it's hard not to feel helpless, and so small.
Then again, a few small things really can add up. Around the globe, good people have been using the skills and resources they have to help in whatever way they can -- fundraisers, volunteering, even a Twitter-sourced charity book is in the works. Web designer Sabrina Modelle turned to her own skill set, and that of her fellow food bloggers, when she put out the Twitter call for an Online Bake Sale to aid Japan. Nearly 90 bloggers and bakers from 9 countries responded. The search for a corporation willing to match any part of the money raised was looking bleak. At the eleventh hour Andrew Sigal of The Uncarved Block stepped up to match the first $500 raised. Any other takers?
Modelle commented,
"While I am hell-bent on raising as much money as we possibly can for Japan, I find myself reflecting most on how grateful I am to be a part of a community that is so quick to graciously and generously give whatever they can to people in need."
So, how does it work? Today, for one day only, visit Modelle's blog, The Tomato Tart, to bid on delectable homemade goods from the blogger of your choice. Score the winning bid and you'll receive a shipment from your personal baker within two weeks. All proceeds will go to Second Harvest Japan, a food bank currently responding on the ground to the needs of people displaced by the earthquake and tsunami.
