The 7.9 magnitude earthquake that devastated central China on Monday has also sent emotional tremors across the world - all the way to Hollister, where Cheung Sheng Chinese Restaurant Owner Ellen Fu is hoping to raise money for victims of the tragedy.
Fu said during the months of May and June, 100 percent of her restaurant's profits will be given to the Chinese government to help rebuild cities and treat the injured.
She said she has set a goal of raising $30,000 and is encouraging other local businesses to join her cause.
"I was reading the paper today and I just started balling," said Fu, who grew up in Henan China and moved to the United States in 1984. "It's a devastating tragedy and I want to do everything I can to help."
The latest death toll is at 20,000 people, but that number could rise to 50,000, according to the Associated Press.
"This could happen anywhere, at any time," Fu said.
Another employee at Cheung Sheng said his wife and child, along with his mother, father and brother live in Sichuan China about 100 miles from the epicenter of the quake. Dao Feng Fu, a chef here, said he could not reach his family for two days because cell phone service was down and that he was in "shock and despair" until he finally got a hold of them and found out they were uninjured.
"My family told me (when the earthquake hit) it was like having ocean sickness, everything was moving and shaking," Feng Fu said in Chinese while Fu translated. "My wife and child live in an apartment on the fourth floor, and the foundation slanted and everything shook, but the building survived. About 60 miles away, everything was leveled, several schools were destroyed and hundreds of students were killed."
Fu said she has set up a charity fund account with San Benito Bank titled "China Earthquake Disaster Fund" and anyone interested in donating can do so.
"The American dollar goes a long way in China," Fu said. "Actions always speak louder than words."
If you know anyone affected by the Chinese earthquake or Myanmarese cyclone, please contact reporter Curtis Cartier at ccartier@freelancenews.com or 831-637-5566, extension 330.
Curtis Cartier Curtis Cartier covers the City of Hollister and public safety for the Free Lance. Reach him at (831) 637-5566 or email him.
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