As Tristate Indian residents scramble to raise money for earthquake victims this week, they are discovering that many local donors have no direct connection to the Asian nation.

        Mukesh Patel, owner of three Tristate Dunkin' Donuts, said he and other Indian franchise owners have raised more than $20,000 for the victims of the Jan. 26. earthquake.

        While most of that money came directly from the owners, Mr. Patel said, more than a $100 a day is coming from each of 10 area stores where customers — mostly non-Indians — are leaving cash to help the quake victims.

        “Our customers are very soft-hearted and generous,” said Mr. Patel, who has relatives near Ahmedabad, India, the commercial center of the western state of Gujarat, where the epicenter of the quake was located.

        “Thank God nobody was hurt. But they say it is terrible there,” he said from one of his Northern Kentucky stores.

        Ami Rawal of West Chester Township in Butler County said a local positive from the disaster is a greater unity among the area Indian community.

        “The earthquake has brought the community together. And the support from the non-Indian community has been surprising and overwhelming,” Ms. Rawal said.

        The outpouring of generosity did not surprise officials from the Cincinnati Area American Red Cross.

        “We have a lot of concerned citizens in the Greater Cincinnati area who are looking for ways to help,” said Sean Townsley, spokesman for the local Red Cross office.

        More than $5,000 in donations has already been mailed to the local Red Cross office.

        A fund-raising dinner to aid earthquake victims is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. today at Ankur Gujarati Samaj, 9502 Highland Ave., Blue Ash.

        Cost to attend the dinner is $25 and up per couple. Reservations are required. For information, call (513) 874-5074.
       

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