Help the Lee Family During Himitsu Reconstruction

     On the morning of January 22, 2015, a driver lost control of her vehicle and crashed through the front door of a beloved family run restaurant, Himitsu Teriyaki in Redmond Ridge.  The car accelerated at such a rate that it jumped a curb, became airborne, and demolished the dining area, cashier counter and cash register, and then landed on top of the grill (in the kitchen area, about 30 feet from the entrance). 

      Luckily, the crash occurred in the morning and no one was hurt including the driver of the vehicle. One of the owners of Himitsu, Sue Lee, normally would have been working in the kitchen but was running late that day.  Had the crash happened two hours later, it would have been catastrophic occurring during Himitsu's busy lunch hour. Considering what might have happened, we as a community are grateful it is just a matter of repairs to be made.

     For almost 9 years, Himitsu Teriyaki has been one of the most popular family restaurants in Redmond Ridge. It is hard to imagine our neighborhood without it and the Lees. Sue, in particular, is the heart of Himitsu often greeting repeat customers by name and knowing your order before the words leave your mouth. She is a person who constantly puts others' needs before her own.  As an example, shortly after the damage was done to the restaurant, Sue and her husband Yonhun donated the food from Himitsu's freezer to Camp Unity, an organization that helps provide food and shelter to the homeless (photo only shows a small amount of the food donated by Himitsu).  On a personal note, Sue provided me with a week worth of meals after I had surgery when the last thing I wanted to do was cook.  I know she has done likewise for many others. Now it is our turn as a community to show some support and alleviate some of the strain this unexpected situation has forced upon them while insurance matters are being settled.

    Whether or not you can contribute financially to this campaign, please take a moment to share your Himitsu story/experience in the Comments section (Or if you prefer, you may send an e-mail to [email protected] (attn: Christine) and I can either add your story to the bottom of this page or forward it (per your request) on to Sue/Yonhun should you wish it to remain unpublished). During this stressful time, I am sure they would love to know just how much they are appreciated and the impact they have made in our community.

If you would like to make a cash donation offline or inquire about other ways to help, please contact Jen Boon at [email protected]. 

Articles relating details of the accident:
Redmond Reporter: http://www.redmond-reporter.com/news/289525721.html and http://www.redmond-reporter.com/news/290086821.html

KIRO News: http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/car-crashes-building-redmond/njtKD/

STORIES & COMMENTS  BY FRIENDS OF THE LEE FAMILY AND PATRONS OF HIMITSU

I’ve witnessed a few extraordinary acts of generosity of Lee’s family, the owner of Himitsu. Sue and Yonhun gave to people in need from their own limited portions, an old car, a brand new TV, meals, or part of their savings.  Her restaurant is a free cafeteria for friends of her children’s and my children are visitors to that cafeteria. Sue sells more than teriyaki at Himitsu. Once you become a regular customer, you will feel cared by Sue. When time is allowed, she listens our sad stories as well as good stories. She remembers many of her customers’ names and their children’s names even their favorite dishes (amazing, I don’t know how she does that!)   Sue naturally became my dear friend from an acquaintance in such a short time. I admire her diligence, beautiful smiles, desire for simple life, quiet strength with calmness, genuine giving heart, unpretentious mind, sacrificial love for her children and more…. Sue and Yonhun live with kind hearts and open hands.  Would you help us to show Sue and Yon that we do care for them too?  - Yoon