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Helping hands for a longtime friend

Christine Carrillo

Jerry Tagami loved the oyster bar at the Chicken Coop.

He loved the “Cheers”-like ambience.

Over the years, it had become one of his favorite eateries and

even a major character in the courting of his wife, Diane.

Now, the restaurant is playing yet another major role in the

Newport Harbor High School teacher’s life -- his recovery.

Groups of his friends, colleagues and students headed to the coop

to show their support and raise money for Tagami and his family at a

benefit held Wednesday in his honor.

During the benefit, guests had the option of ordering from a

special menu that included a $5 donation per platter for the Tagami

family, bidding in a silent auction or adding money to the collection

basket.

“He has given so much to this community pretty unselfishly for so

many years, and now it’s time for the community to give back and get

involved,” said longtime friend and fellow Newport Harbor High

teacher Joe Robinson, who joined Tagami for a daily cup of coffee

during breaks at the school.

He now continues that tradition -- albeit alone -- in Tagami’s

honor.

The huge support is “because of him and the unique person he is,

who has sincerely dedicated his life to this career. He’s a genuine

man and it evokes genuine feelings,” Robinson said.

Tagami, who has taught at Newport Harbor for 31 years, suffered an

aneurysm on Feb. 3 that left him in a coma for weeks.

Although he has since awakened, his recovery is expected to be a

long and trying one. While signs of improvement have given those

closest to him renewed hope, they understand that he has a long road

ahead.

“He’s improving with little baby steps and starting to be a little

more aware of his surroundings every day and definitely recognizing

people around him,” Diane Tagami said. “He’s been taking very

positive steps.”

To help his family cover the long-term medical expenses, Kate

Yates, Brock Okura and a handful of other close friends organized the

benefit, including a silent auction, to collect money for his family.

“We don’t do this for a living, so it’s been a lot of work. But

it’s exciting,” Yates said. “We really feel like we’re doing

something for Diane and Jerry.”

All the support has made a difference.

“It’s overwhelming and I feel so appreciative,” Diane said. “It’s

been hard from day to day and sometimes you feel a little isolated,

but they have, with all their efforts, made us feel like we’re not

alone.”

Donations may also be sent to Mr. Tagami, c/o Newport Harbor High

School, 600 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach 92663.

* CHRISTINE CARRILLO covers education and may be reached at (949)

574-4268 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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