While Japan tries to recover from the devastating earthquake and tsunami, Portlanders are organizing events to raise money for relief efforts and to mourn for the victims.

UPDATED on March 23 with upcoming events and fund-raisers:

Donations to Real Medicine
The Ace Hotel, Rudy's Barbershop, Bimbo's Cantina and the Cha Cha Lounge will match up to $18,000 in donations to Real Medicine's Japan Relief Fund. To donate, visit realmedicinefoundation.org/donors.

Art & Soul for Japan Fundraiser
Thursday March 24, 5:30 pm

Northwest Scion Events, along with local artists and businesses such as Koi Fusion, will host a fundraiser for the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief at the Slate (2001 NW 19th #104). The event includes music, a silent art auction, food from Koi Fusion available for purchase and a raffle. All proceeds from the event's $5 entrance fee, raffle tickets and auction will go to Red Cross relief efforts, as well as half the proceeds from the purchase of food.

From Oregon, with Love Concerts at the Aladdin Theater

Sunday March 27, 2 pm and 7 pm

Local event maven Stephen Marc Beaudoin and friends launch a giant benefit concert for the Mercy Corps Oregon Japan Relief Fund starring Pink Martini, Holcombe Waller, Storm Large, Oregon Ballet Theatre dancers and more. Advance tickets are $38 at www.aladdin-theater.com or $40 on the day of the show. All proceeds will go to Mercy Corps Oregon Japan Relief Fund.

Portland Restaurant Relief
Tuesday March 29

More than 50 Portland restaurants will be donating a portion of their sales on Tuesday March 29 to Mercy Corps to help survivors of the earthquake. For a list of participating restaurants, click here.

Portland Bakers
Saturday April 2

Home bakers and professional bakers can participate in a city-wide bake sale at Ristretto Roasters (3808 N Williams) and Barista (539 NW 13th Ave) to raise money for Peace Winds Japan.

RUDƎFISH CD Release Show
Saturday April 9, 8 pm

During RUDƎFISH's CD release show at the Tonic Lounge (3100 NE Sandy), the band will donate 50 percent of proceeds from CD sales to the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. The band will also set up a donation box at the show.
Tickets are $5 at the door.

Below is the original list of events from the earlier post on March 17:

Vigil and Memorial Services at Portland Japanese Garden

Friday March 18, 5-7 pm

Events will include two free memorial services led by Rev. Gregory Gibbs of the Oregon Buddhist Temple at 5 pm and by Rev. Zuigaku Kodachi of the Minori Kai Temple at 6 pm. The Japanese Garden will be open to the public throughout the vigil, including a special "Wish Arbor" for prayer and reflection. Visitors can write wishes and condolences and tie them to the arbor, and donate to the Oregon Japan Relief Fund. 

Candlelight Vigil for Japan PDX

Friday March 18, 6-8 pm

A group of Portland State University, Portland Community College and University of Oregon students from Japan have organized this event. The candlelight vigil and fundraiser will be held at Director Park downtown (877 SW Taylor). Donations made during the event will go to Peace Winds Japan, a partner organization of Mercy Corps Donations can also be made online at vigil4japanpdx.org.

Portland Taiko Benefit Concert for Japan

Night Ski Fundraiser at Hood Meadows Ski Resort