The latest reports are saying the earthquake in Japan on March 11th, could become the most expensive earthquake in history. I was at South by Southwest Interactive (SXSWi) surrounded by the best and brightest in the techie and social media space when I heard about the tsunami. For the following days I saw tweets, instagram photos, Facebook updates, and blog posts of people rallying the support of their friends and network to donate a few dollars or post a donation link on their blog. Mashable’s Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: 7 Simple Ways to Help post has over 15,000 Facebook shares and 6,000 tweets.

The 7 ways include:

1. Text to Donate
2. Donate via Facebook
3. Buy Virtual Goods (games and apps are donating money)
4. Embed a Donation Bar on your Blog/Website
5. “Like” a Cause page on Facebook that is donating per number of new fans
6. Tweet (specific hashtags)
7. Donate via iTunes

The Social Media Club of Dallas has an 8th option – attend an event! SMCDallas along with (in no particular order) AAJA, AIGA, AAF Dallas, DFW AMA, DFW SEM, IABC Dallas, PRSA Dallas, Texas Young Professionals (whew that’s a lot of acronyms) and growing number of individuals are joining together with a goal of raising at least $3,000 for the American Red Cross.

The event is Thursday, March 24th from 7-9pm at Aloft Dallas Downtown. All proceeds from ticket sales ($10) will benefit the American Red Cross to support the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund. Buy your ticket and add any additional donation you’d like at http://dallas4japan.eventbrite.com/.

As an individual, you can:

• Register and attend the event on Thursday
• Share this post on Facebook and Twitter
• Tweet: Join #Dallas4Japan on 3/24 http://bit.ly/dal4jap
• Invite your friends on Facebook