Japantown San Francisco: Japantown Merchants Fund Raising for Northern Japan Earthquake Relief

JAPANTOWN, SAN FRANCISCO: The Gateway to Japanese Culture, Cuisine, and Shopping

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Japantown Merchants Fund Raising for Northern Japan Earthquake Relief

San Francisco, CA - 17 March 2011 - Various merchants in San Francisco's Japantown are donating proceeds to the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Donations can be made directly to the JCCCNC who will send contributions to the Japan YMCA.

Although, the Red Cross is an excellent organization and provides relief, they retain a percentage of the funds to cover their expenses. The Japan YMCA distributes 100% of the funds they receive towards any relief project.

In addition, during the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, Richard Hashimoto, general manager of the Japan Center Garage Corporation said, "I heard that clothing and bottled water from our relief efforts were stored in a warehouse for over a month because they had no way of distributing it. All delivery trucks could not get through the debris and blocked roads. The JCCCNC called the Japan YMCA and through their efforts, found volunteers to deliver the donations on bicycle...Amazing."

Asakichi Incense store offers 20% off coupons to any customer who makes a donation to the relief fund. Sundance Kabuki will donate 10% of the proceeds of bar and snack bar sales from Saturday night, March 19th. Katachi is donating a portion of sales from 3/12/2011 to 3/31/2011 to the relief fund, and Kabuki Springs and Spa has a collection envelope at the front desk and in the break room for guests and staff. Bushi-tei will donate 50% of the proceeds of a fund-raising dinner to be held on April 6th, 2011. Details to follow.

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03/17/2011