Aki Matsuri

Logo- (a work in progress)

It has been over six months since the March 11th disaster in Tohoku Japan. Renew Yamada intends to continue to keep readers updated on the relief efforts and consequences of the disaster both in the devastated areas and Japan, as a whole. We are also continuing to raise funds to be distributed to those in need in Yamada. To date we have collected close to $3000. without making any concerted efforts to fund raise. We are looking for the best situation where we can make a sizable donation. This has not been as easy a task as first thought. We are hoping to distribute the funds on or before March 11, 2012

The easiest and least personal is to make a deposit to the towns relief fund, which will go to the operation in Yamada. Another idea is to sponsor an event for children and/or senior citizens. Possibly, entertain the evacuees and attempt to bring smiles to their faces. Another idea is to adopt a person or family and either purchase something they need or let them use the money as they see fit. We welcome ideas as we try to maneuver through the red tape and customs of the country. For example, giving to one family is typically frowned upon as it can distract from group unity.

There are two disclosures we would like to make. The first one is that, Emi and I are trying to absorb any minimal costs of putting together this non-profit, as our donation. This means that except for the very unfortunate exchange rate (which we keep hoping will get better), as close to 100% of your donation will go to the people of Yamada. The second disclosure is that we have submitting the paperwork to the IRS to have tax-exempt status as a 503c non-profit, which means that your donations are tax deductible. As stated in the thank you e-mails that we sent out to those who have donated so far, if you need a receipt, please contact us and we will send you one.

Finally, we would like to invite all our Las Vegas supporters to support Renew Yamada at the Aki Matsuri, being held Saturday, October 15th in the China town parking lot from 1-8pm. Emi and Miki will have a booth selling Renew Yamada T-shirts and Toshi’s Ginger Dressing with proceeds going to Renew Yamada. Friends of Renew Yamada, Meccamee Dance Troupe ,will also be performing. The proceeds of the rest of the event will be going to the Japan Red Cross. Please spread the word, come out and join in the fall fun and enjoy, dance, Taiko, good food, and lots of positive energy. If you see my Emi and Miki, please give them hugs for us.