RESTAURANTS FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF

Los Angeles area restaurants bond together for one day to benefit Operation USA., a Los Angeles-based organization which uses 100% of funds for tsunami relief in Southeast Asia.

WHAT: On Wednesday, January 26, over 35 Los Angeles area restaurants will donate a percentage of one day's sales to Operation USA, a local tsunami relief agency. The earthquake and tsunamis in South Asia have affected hundreds of thousands of families and the need for aid is tremendous. Diners are encouraged to visit participating restaurants to help support this great cause.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 26

PARTICPATING RESTAURANTS: Sona, Granita, Villa Sorrisso, Bar Celona, Voda, Falcon, Pearl Dragon, Chaya Brasserie, Chaya Venice, La Boheme, Monsoon, O-Bar, Buddha's Belly, Meson G, Troquet (O.C.), Aubergine (O.C.), Red Pearl Kitchen (O.C.), The Lodge (O.C.), Nook Bistro, The Courtyard, Fat Fish, Yu Restaurant & Lounge, GRACE, Elixir Tonics & Teas, Minibar, Norman's, Whist at Viceroy, Blue on Blue at the Avalon Hotel, A.O.C., Lucques, Michael's, Oceanfront at Casa del Mar, One Pico and Pedals at Shutters on the Beach…more restaurants are added daily.

Operation USA is a non-profit relief and development organization that has garnered a reputation for speed and efficiency for providing disaster relief and sustainable development programs in 89 countries in its 25 year history. 100% of all current funds are going to relief efforts in the tsunami-stricken regions of Southeast Asia. Current efforts include: an Atlas Air 747 cargo jet leaving Los Angeles for Jakarta on January19 with 100 tons of supplies; $85k in grants made to NGOs in India and Sri Lanka; recovery efforts will continue for at least two years, which will include rebuilding clinics, schools and village water systems in northeast and southern Sri Lanka. Worth Magazine named Operation USA one of "America's 100 Best Charities" in 2001; and Charity Navigator gives Operation USA its highest rating. For more information: www.operationusa.org