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Benihana Raises $55K for St. Jude Children's Research, San Diego 4th Grader Helps

Posted: Jun. 15th, 2012 | Comments 0 | Make a Comment

Photo Credit St. Jude Children's Research/Benihana

The Children Helping Children coloring contest, an annual event presented by Japanese-restaurant franchise Benihana, received a helping hand from a Carlsbad, California fourth grader. Audrey Ledford of the coastal resort city of San Diego County was among the talented children whose artwork was chosen by the restaurateur in this year’s contest.

More than $55,000 was raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital from the nationwide contest, as Benihana donated $1 to St. Jude for each entry turned in during the month of April. The 2012 amount is nearly twice as much as the funds from the previous year. The rules of the contest provide participants with an opportunity to express themselves both meaningfully and creatively toward a real-world situation. Children draw what depicts the meaning of helping other children.

Benihana festively celebrates Japan's Children’s Day, which is an annual holiday in Japan. The firm sponsors this yearly event to raise awareness of its Japanese culture while supporting the noble efforts of St. Jude Children’s Research. The coloring contest entries were presented at a private party for the patients and families of St. Jude held on May 8. Guests also received a complimentary teppanyaki dinner prepared by top Benihana chefs at the festivities.

Benihana.com