Oregon Tomodachi Recovery Fund Marks One Year Anniversary of Tsunami with a Benefit Concert

Portland, March 11th. The Aladdin Teatre in S.E. Portland was filled with music fans who wanted to help the vistims of the March 11th 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Pictured are: Nancy Parrott, the Azumano Travel VP who organized the Oregon Tomodachi Recovery Fund Event, Community Leader Sho Dozono, songwriter and pianist Michael Allen Harrison, and KGW anchor Tracy Barry.

The OregonTomodachi Recovery Fund is a collaborative effort of Japan-related organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington to coordinate donations in support of the ongoing recovery of the regions in Japan affected by the devastating earthquakes and tsunami of March 11, 2011. All funds raised are administered by the Japan America Society of Oregon (JASO)

Featuring musical guests at the concert included, Storm Large, Portland Taiko, Michael Allen Harrison, the Devin Phillips Band, The PHAME Choir, (PHAME is the Portland region’s fine and performing arts organization serving adults with developmental disabilities.) Also, Andrew Paul Woodworth, Kodo Araki VI, Marv and Rindy Ross (the Trailband and Quarterflash), Takohachi, the Tomodachi Choir, and the Japanese Immersion Program High School Choir and more.

Organizers were pleased with the turn out and the positive energy of the crowd.

From the Oregon Tomodachi Recovery Fund:

In the immediate aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster on March 11, 2011, the Japan-America Society of Oregon/SW Washington (JASO) and community leaders throughout the region quickly created the Oregon Japan Relief Fund – which through collective efforts raised more than $600,000 for Portland-based Mercy Corps to engage in disaster relief activities in support of residents in areas most affected by the quake and tsunami.

Now – as we mark the one year anniversary – with relief transitioning to recovery – we have formed the Oregon Tomodachi Recovery Fund which aims to provide ongoing support for sustaining activities tied to the recovery of the Tohoku region.

Below are examples of projects that are already in progress:

• On-the-Ground Recovery Support in Tohoku
  The JASO effort aims to support ongoing tangible efforts in-country in communities seriously impacted by the disaster. We aim to focus wherever possible on specific communities where we have relationships and resources to make a difference.
• Flight of Friendship
  Financial Support for scholarships to send students to Tohoku as a part of ongoing volunteer activities.
• Public education about disaster preparedness.
• Funds set aside for community led initiatives.
  A portion of the money raised will be set aside to be available for projects by proposal.

For further information, please contact:

Doug Smith Chair-Elect, JASO dsmith@inspecgroup.com

Dixie Mckeel Executive Director, JASO dmckeel@jaso.org