Dav and I went to a fundraiser sushi dinner at Tesla's preschool
NLF the other night. We paid for a ticket, and I also volunteered to bring inari sushi. There was a professional sushi maker too. I decided to go to show our participation in the school activities, but didn't realize the depth and meaning of the fundraiser. I'm so happy we went; I was almost brought to tears during their presentation because it represented such a historical and longstanding community in Japantown. I never knew NLF was way more than just an awesome preschool.
This fundraiser was part of a long effort to purchase and renovate a historical building that is 1 of the 2 buildings the school is in. The fundraising started in 2002, and is close to meeting their $2.2 million goal, with the last bit for renovating a real Noh stage that the kids currently play on! Most of the people there were community members/organizers for many years. We were totally new, and later found out that it was rare that first year parents participate so the staff had been happy we came. I was too. I was frankly very inspired by all these people, both parents and alum, who worked together so hard for this history.
I had chosen NLF because I wanted Tesla to speak Japanese and learn Japanese traditions, and the minute I walked in the classroom for a tour, I fell in love. But this fundraiser made me aware how central this preschool is to Japantown, and how it brings in new generations.
The rows of sushi. The Noh stage that will be renovated as fundraiser contributors were honored. Click to see details.
Historical pictures of the building. The childcare scene while us adults had dinner. Tesla was so excited we were going to dinner at "her preschool" but was disappointed when she realized she didn't get to join. Luckily some of her classmates were there, but she still spent some time sulking on the lap of one of the caregivers.
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