Benefit for teacher set for today Looking...

Benefit for teacher set for today

Looking to lend hands by opening their pocket books, members of

the Newport-Mesa community have decided to hold a benefit to raise

money for a beloved high school teacher.

Jerry Tagami, a 31-year teacher at Newport Harbor High, suffered

an aneurysm on Feb. 3 that left him in a coma for weeks. He has since

come out of his coma and is now in stable condition.

Friends and family say that he improves on a daily basis and are

optimistic that he will see a remarkable recovery, though exactly

when is still unknown. Understanding that his medical expenses for

long-term care will be great, the community has decided to lend their

support.

A benefit will be held from 3:30 to 9 p.m. today at The Chicken

Coop, 414 N. Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. Diners wanting to help can

add $5 to the cost of their dinner platters to go to the Tagami

family. Additional donations may also be sent to Mr. Tagami, c/o

Newport Harbor High School, 600 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach 92663.