Gina Weng, owner of Wasabi Sushi Bar and Asian Bistro, announced today that the Tyler restaurant will hold a surprise event to raise awareness of the difficulties those with physical and mental handicaps face. The event will be held at the restaurant, located at 5617 S. Donnybrook Ave. in Tyler on Wednesday, August 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

“This event is open to the public, and it is my hope that the day’s activities will encourage awareness and understanding within our community,” Ms. Weng said. “We want to be sure our own staff, as well as other restaurant owners and service industry professionals, are fully educated on ways in which we can better serve disabled individuals who patronize our businesses.”

The night’s highlight will be a presentation by Kathleen McCollough, who trains service animals for Patriot PAWS. The organization provides service dogs at no cost to those with disabilities, especially veterans suffering from mobility issues or post-traumatic stress, to help them regain physical and emotional independence.

Wasabi will provide food and music at the event, including informational materials on those living with disabilities, and will donate a portion of the night’s proceeds to Patriot PAWS.

Ms. Weng said she was moved to organize the evening when she saw a customer bring a service dog into the restaurant earlier this month, saying “I believe that we can use this experience to bring education and understanding to our own staff and others living in the community who wish to be more sensitive citizens.”

Wasabi prides itself on its wide selections of traditional and fusion Asian cuisine, wine list and full service bar. For more information, visit , or call 903-939-0211.