The NBA star gave $1 million for tornado relief efforts in Moore, Okla.

Photo by yospyn While several local Japanese businesses have started to reach out to help support relief efforts in Japan, KAZ Sushi Bistro Chef Kaz Okochi, who was born in Nagoya, Japan, has called upon his fellow brethren in the DC Chefs’ Club to chip in. Starting yesterday, several D.C. restaurants are donating meals, classes and other packages to be auctioned on eBay. According to WeLoveDC, more than 20 restaurants will be participating in…

With all the candy, booze, and general costumery around town during this time of year, it can be easy to forget that there are others far less fortunate than us snarky bloggers. And as the fall turns into winter, as we’re able to find refuge from the cold, others are not always as lucky. With that in mind, FedEx Special Delivery and the American Red Cross have joined forces to collect blankets for programs in…

FRIDAY: >> Something tells us heading out to see a concert put on by a man who, due to a struggle with Hepatitis C, thought he might never be able to go on tour again will be an awfully positive, life-affirming experiece. And who couldn’t use a little of that? The Alejandro Escovedo Orchestra (he’s pictured at right) is at 9:30 Club, with Lenny Kaye & Jon Dee Graham. $25, 8 p.m. >> Film Festivals!…

For the sake of not having to write separate posts for all these different yet interesting events, here is a list of some things you may not want to miss in the area this week. TUESDAY >> Has your commute on public transit been especially bad recently? Or is there something you’ve just had to get out, something you’ve wanted to scream at a WMATA executive for the longest time? Tonight is your chance. WMATA…

Friday, DCist went to the symphony, and we told you about the National Symphony’s first concert and the schedule for the rest of their 75th anniversary season. September is also the time when our minds start to turn to thoughts of opera in Washington. Wouldn’t it be great if there were some way to hear an opera and at the same time help suffering people? OPERA THIS WEEK: >> This Wednesday (September 14 at 7…

Kinkead Signs New Book in Dupont Cookbook fanatic? Kinkead’s fanatic? Simply a food lover? Head to Best Cellars Dupont this Saturday for the 2 p.m. signing of Kinkead’s Cookbook: Recipes from Washington D. C.’s Premier Seafood Restaurant by Chef Bob Kinkead himself. The book offers more than 120 recipes from his Kinkead’s repertoire. We are eager to try our hand at some of these. Recreating Kinkead’s cuisine at home will definitely make the dinner guests…

While we continue to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the disaster that just over a week ago brought untold death and destruction to New Orleans and other cities and town along the Gulf Coast, we are similarly overwhelmed by the generosity of Americans and the international community alike. Individuals, groups, and organizations have led the charge in the Washington metropolitan area with a variety of fundraisers, more of which we feature here: — Head…

As we reported on Friday, the Moms on the Hill (or MoTHs, whose activities we are documenting at Ionarts) and their friends continue their efforts to get the money and donated items they have collected thus far to the people displaced by Hurricane Katrina. News reports on WTOP last night speculated that perhaps no evacuees were coming to Washington, but today we have learned (as reported in the Post) that 400 evacuees will arrive…

While local and federal official scramble to adequately respond in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, individual donations are fast approaching $100 million, reports the Post, while communities and organizations have started campaigns to offer cheap or free housing to the thousands left homeless in the hurricane’s wake. Below are more local events to benefit the victims and information on how you can help: — The K Street Lounge (1301 K Street, NW) is hosting a…