It has been estimated that the recent natural disaster that affected a score of countries surrounding the Indian Ocean will be the most costly human disaster in recorded history. Tidal waves have left the death toll in the tens of thousands -- and still climbing -- and millions are homeless. At least one-third of those reported dead are children.

"It leaves many of us wondering how on earth we can help from halfway around the globe," says Ami Bedi, owner of the Dancing Ganesha, 1692 N. Van Buren St.

Bedi has established a way to provide relief: Her restaurant will donate one dollar for every entrée sold during the next week. She will also accept donations -- all of which will go to the Red Cross relief effort.

"This is not a tragedy that has occurred at the hands of other people. Not war, not terrorism, not poverty or barbaric dictatorships. Mother nature's disasters are equal opportunity. This could have happened right here in America," says Bedi.