Ravens, Red Cross & 105.7 The Fan Team Up To Help Japanese Earthquake Victims
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The American Red Cross, 105.7 The Fan and the Baltimore Ravens are teaming up in a joint effort to help the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.
Ron Matz reports it happens Saturday in Harford County.
The relief effort is well underway in Japan. No one knows it better than Ravens safety Haruki Nakimura, one of the few NFL players of Japanese descent.
"The Red Cross has distributed over 125,000 blankets. They've given out over 21,000 emergency kits, including things like weather radios, flashlights, stuff to help people prepare for future disasters," said Douglas Lent, Red Cross of Central Maryland.
Nakimura has organized a fundraiser Saturday at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, joining with the Red Cross to help the people of his country.
"He still has family and friends in Japan so it really hit close to home for him," said Lent. "[Nakimura] and some of his fellow Ravens, including Joe Flacco and Ed Reed, will be signing autographs for folks. They'll autograph two items for a $50 donation and five items for $100."
All proceeds from Saturday's event will go to the Red Cross International Relief Fund, which is providing emergency aid to Japan.
"The Red Cross in Japan is continuing to provide assistance to folks over there and continuing to help people with both immediate disaster relief but also with medical needs, as well," said Lent.
It's a disaster bringing the Red Cross and the Ravens together.
"It's a three-hour event: noon until 3 p.m. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is bringing animals. There will be moonbounces for the kids and face painting. It's going to be a lot of fun. So you can come out and help out a good cause and have fun with the family too," said Lent.
The Red Cross has already pledged $10 million to the relief effort in Japan.
Click here for more information about the event, which is co-sponsored by 105.7 The Fan.
