Many Americans, who were involved in the past Japan America Grassroots Summits, have sent CIE warm condolence messages, inquiries, and have started various activities to help Tohoku people in their respective areas.
The following information is a part of those CIE office received.
Message from Ambassador Michael Armacost (Chair, San Francisco Bay Area Summit 2010) [2011.03.15]
[March 15, 2011]
We are devastated by this terrible tragedy. My first association with Japan was through a lovely, kind woman from Sendai -- Nobuko who was a teacher and administrator of a boys school in Sendai. She lived with my family for a year in 1948-49, and we came to know her son as well. And I heard a great deal about the people of Miyagi during the Summit last summer. We pray that the missing will be swiftly rescued, aftershocks limited, dangers at the Fukushima nuclear plant contained, and water and electricity services resumed. We admire the courageous and stoic manner in which the Japanese people have responded to this tragedy, and the calm efficiency displayed by the government in the face of this adversity. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the members of your staff. Warm regards,
E-mail Inquiry of safety from Megumi Inouye (Executive Director of San Francisco Bay Area Summit 2010) [2011.03.11]
[March 11, 2011]
Subject: Earthquake
I've been trying to call but of course no luck in getting through. We are watching the news now of the Earthquake and the damage in Miyagi- our Summit friends, we are so worried. This is really devastating. How are things in Tokyo. Are you all okay?
Feeling helpless but wanting to make sure our friends are okay. What can we do from this end?
Please take care and our love goes to our Miyagi Summit friends
E-mail from Matt Krebs (Executive Director, Japan/America Society of Kentucky) [2011.03.16]
[March 16, 2011]
Subject: Local Station News and Relief Fund
I thought you might appreciate seeing our local station mention the sheet you have kindly prepared for us to keep track of our host families. I didn't realize at the time, but they thought it was very great!
[March 13, 2011]
Subject: Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster
I was shocked and horrified to learn of the loss of life and devastation caused by the recent record earthquake and tsunami. In addition, there have been many major aftershocks with more likely to occur and the possibility of additional tsunamis. We are all following with great concern the conditions of the nuclear facilities which have not yet been stabilized and brought safely under control. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, are homeless and are in need of food and clean water. The images from Miyagi Prefecture, host of the 2009 Grassroots Summit, show the utter destructive force of the tsunami. The scenes remind me of Hurricane Katrina' s impact on New Orleans in 2005, which killed 1,836 people and caused property damage estimated at 81 billion dollars. Japan was quick to offer its support and aid then.
I believe that America and Americans will come to the support and assistance of the people of Japan during this crisis. At my church today, the congregation prayed for the people of Japan. I sincerely hope that the worst is over and that rebuilding can start soon.
I have faith that the Japanese people will rise to this greatest challenge since rebuilding the country after World War II. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With deepest sympathies and concern,
E-mail from Kaz Maniwa (Chairman, Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California) [2011.03.18]
[March 17, 2011]
Subject: Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
To my dear friends in Japan:
Most of the news is flowing from Japan to around the world, I wanted to write this letter to you to give you an idea of what is happening in the Bay Area in response to the Earthquake/tsunami.
There is an outpouring of support from the people in this area- the phones are literally ringing off the hook at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center fielding inquiries on how people can help in the relief efforts. We will have to hire another staff person just to handle the volume of calls.
We have set up a Northern Japan Earthquake Relief fund of which 20 other community organizations will join in and participate. http://www.jcccnc.org/
There are many fundraising ideas being planned from direct donations, merchants donating a portion of their sales, workers donating a part of their tips, children's programs putting on a concert, schools raising funds etc. On Friday , the Community Center is holding a telethon and asking people to phone in with their donations. The number of different kinds of fundraisers cannot even be listed in this letter because they are so numerous.
The Cherry Blossom Festival will highlight the earthquake and fundraising efforts will be carried out throughout the festival. Many groups have set up their own fundraising sites, but with a common purpose to raise and deliver as much as money as possible as soon as possible.
At the Community Center, we have set up a Facebook account which has had an enormous response. In a few days since the earthquake, the Facebook account has brought in about $70,000 from donors all over the world. The power of Facebook is a new fundraising tool which has access to millions of people.
It is the Community Center's plan to donate the funds to NPOs and NGOs who are locally based and who can determine where the money can best be spent. Our target is to direct funds to people who might not normally receive direct funds such as senior citiizen groups, orphanages, youth groups and community service groups. We have already wire transferred over $30,000 to this area .We plan to distribute the funds first for direct assistance and later to give aid to the recovery effort. So far, I would estimate that we have recieved or gotten pledges for about $200,000. 100% of the money that we receive will go to the vicitms in Japan.
We have no idea how much money will actually come in but we will keep trying until the donations stop coming in.
Similiar fundraising efforts are taking place in seattle, los angeles, hawaii, san jose and Washington DC. I could go on and on but I wanted to give you a sense of what is happening on this side of the pacific. It is important that you know that we stand with the people of Japan and will do everything that we can to help them get through this tragedy. I must say that in these terrible times, there is hope - we have seen the good side of the American people in this most difficult time.
Let's hope the worst is over and a better day is on the way.
E-mail from Sydney Nakamura (Homestay Coordinator, San Francisco Bay Area Summit 2010) [2011.03.18]
[March 18, 2011]
Subject: "Ganbare Japan" fundraising event at elementary school
I hope you are holding up o.k. We are so worried about the people in Japan.
We feel so fortunate that our host families are safe.
Last night at Clarendon Alternative Elementary School, we had a concert fundraiser. It was so heartwarming to see parents, alumni and community members come together to support the relief efforts in Japan. We raised over $22,000 in just two short hours. We also have coin jars in each of the classrooms so that students can support Japan by bringing in their change. So many American people want to help in some way and having this concert brought our community together. Here is the link to the news report last night that covered the story of our event. http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/video?id=8018145#global
We continue to worry about your safety and for our friends in Miyagi.
Katie Dingley ( CIE Supporter in United Kingdom ) [2011.03.19]
[March 19, 2011]
Subject: Advice
I hope you are ok, despite all that is going on in Japan. I am following the news closely, what has happened is truly unimaginable.
As you have worked in the NPO/NGO sector, I would like to ask your advice on something. A lot of people have donated money to Japan, but would still like to do more. I have been made aware of a drive in Tochigi prefecture for socks to give to tsunami survivors. The details are on this site
http://jasonkelly.com/helpjapan/
I've checked all of the information, and it seems sensible - Tochigi hasn't been devastated by the earthquake so logistically things should be sound. I plan to advertise this at work (there are 150 staff members in my Department, so I hope for a good response). I just wondered if you know of any alternative programmes at all that you think would be more effective?
[March 20, 2011]
Thanks for your reply. I'll organize this with friends and work colleagues.
Messages from descendants of Commodore Perry [2011.03.20]
Although the news from Japan has been tragic, the news of the Japanese people has been incredibly inspiring. The world has a new understanding on how strong and compassionate the Japanese people are in the face of unbelievable tragedy.
I treasure my association with you and all Japanese.
Best wishes.
Matthew C. Perry
I am the oldest sister to your friend, Matthew Perry, and want you to know how much I am interested in all the connections that the Perry family has with Japan. Matt has shared so much of his trips concerning Perry and Manjiro that he has really kept me wanting to know more and to visit someday. I am very concerned at this time of earthquake devastation in your country. He shared your recent letter with his sisters. My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
Message and Photos - from Potenza (Regional Leader of the Sonoma Local Session, SF Bay Area Summit 2010)
Subject: To Japan with Love
April 3rd
Henry made this wonderful Peace Crane from a 6 ft x 6 ft paper that Mario made for us all to write notes (love notes) to Japan...
Our prayers and love are with you.
3) Gilroy Sister City Association Annual International Dinner & Auction 04/16/11 at Portuguese Hall
250 Old Gilroy St. Gilroy
6:00 pm Social Hour, 7:00 pm Dinner, 8:00 pm Auction.
Price $45.00 ea
*Part of the proceeds from the auction will be dedicated to the Japanese Tsunami relief Funds.
