At Ballard's upcoming Second Saturday ArtWalk on May 14, Root. Integrated Health, Ballard's newest collaborative Healthcare practice, will host an event to benefit Japan relief efforts.

The evening event will feature live music by the Hank Hirsh Group, local art, tapas and abundant wine. 

"One of the goals in opening our practice was to be more involved in the community. We loved the concept of combining our regular participation in one of Ballard's local events to something much larger," Lockwood said.

"We felt compelled to do something, especially as health care providers and since our mission is to aid others. " said chiropractor Kourtney Lockwood. 

Proceeds and donations of the evening will benefit Direct Relief International, a US-based organization that provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people victimized by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest throughout the world.

In response to the disaster in Japan, Direct Relief International established a collaboration with the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and granted $1.4 million to local community groups coordinating emergency response efforts and providing relief services for the elderly and disabled.

"We've been trying to put something together since [the tsunami] happened. We like the organization because they're ongoing efforts and 100 percent of the money donated to them goes to Japan, that doesn't always happen with other organizations," Lockwood said.

The Japan Relief event takes place on May 14th from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the second floor of the Old Carnegie Library at 2026 N.W. Market Street.