Beloved South Carolina Restaurant in Need of Help after Flood

Unificationists in South Carolina were dealt a devastating blow recently when their restaurant in Columbia was hit by the recent flooding in the area from Hurricane Joachin. The Sakura Restaurant has been owned and operated by the Saito family for thirty years. The restaurant has become a staple in the community for quality as well as employment and have become quite successful.

During the flood, windows were crushed and water rushed in ruining furniture, food stock, and cooking equipment. The loss was made all the more heartbreaking, when the family realized they were not insured for flood damage because the restaurant is on higher ground.

Before

After

The restaurant took on six feet of water. Everything inside is unsalvageable. Owners Norio and Ikuku Saito have three children, and are now in a dire financial situation with their restaurant at a total loss and no flood insurance to cover the damage.

Many other local Unificationists in the area were affected, some having to evacuate their homes, but not sustained such devastating damage. The community is thankful that everyone is safe, but they feel heartbrken for the loss of the restaurant and are banding together to help in some way.

Some local community members have also set up a gofundme campaign and a facebook page for anyone who wishes to give financial support. The larger Columbia community has also rallied around Sakura, recently running an article in the independent community newspaper that offers link to the fundraising page.

The Saito family and the South Carolina community are grateful for the many prayers and support they have received from Unificationists around the world and from their customers in the local area.