This is a small example of all the wide-spread efforts that JET alumni have been involved in. Most of the funds collected at the various events went directly to the JETAA USA Earthquake Relief Fund, although portions of it were donated to other organizations to support Japan.

JETAANY
Photos: http://goo.gl/JYKNY
The JET Alumni Association of New York, in partnership with NY de Volunteer, raised approximately $10,700 during a three-hour Fundraiser for Japan on April 5 at Slate in Manhattan. Reporters from Fuji TV, TV Tokyo, NHK, Bi-Daily Sun New York, and the Asahi Shimbun were in attendance. NHK aired a noon-time report on April 6, 2011 (Japan time) and Asahi Shimbun featured the event in its special Earthquake reporting section.
NHK: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/jishin0311/movie/chapter_66.html
Asahi Shinbun: http://www.asahi.com/special/10005/TKY201104070092.html

JETAA Pittsburgh (sub-chapter of JETAANY)
Photos: http://goo.gl/U2jxG
JETAA Pittsburgh chapter co-sponsored a benefit concert in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh and Brother’s Brother Foundation, a top-rated charity by Forbes Magazine. The event included participation by 2 cast members from PBS’ “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” and many university students and alumni (including many music students who performed), JET alumni, and members of the local Japanese community.

JETAAMN (Minnesota)
Photos: http://goo.gl/oImj2
The Minnesota JETAA chapter held a huge Japan Benefit Party at Moto-i in Minneapolis on April 16th.  This event included a rocking DJ set by members of local band Solid Gold, a silent auction and prize raffle, both with some truly amazing items donated by local businesses and individuals. Free appetizers and half-priced sake were provided by Moto-i, the first sake brewery restaurant of its kind outside of Japan.

JETAANC (Northern CA- San Fransisco)
Photos: http://goo.gl/Nu4Rd
JETAANC has raised over $17,000 with a large portion of that going to the JETAA USA Earthquake Relief Fund. Events include:

RMJETAA (Rocky Mountain)
Photos: http://goo.gl/5DgsN
The JETAA Chapter based in Denver, CO put on a Sushi Rolling Benefit this past month. The event featured musical performances of shamisen and jazz by a local Japanese jazz musician. Guests learned the art of rolling sushi as they bid on silent auction items. All funds raised went to the JETAA USA Earthquake Relief Fund.

JETAAMC (Music City)
Photos: http://goo.gl/sRWBP
This chapter, based in Nashville, TN had a Top Chef Tsuanami Dinner Relief event (a five course dinner with sake pairings) to pull in funds from the local community for the JETAA USA Earthquake Relief Fund. JETAAMN partnered with the Japan America Society of Tennessee for this event which also included a silent auction.

JETAA Great Lakes
Faye Valtadoros (President of GLJETAA) is also a high school Japanese teacher in Clarkston, MI. They have an exchange program with Chiba and the Japanese students arrived shortly after 3/11. Faye and the students at her school collected money for the JETAA USA Earthquake Fund. The story was featured on ABC news: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfE-6cLtHTE&noredirect=1
Faye has also coordinated a Taiko Drum Benefit Concert at her high school on October 29th. Again, all funds raised will go to JETAA USA Earthquake Fund.

JETAA Heartland
This chapter helped coordinate and raise money at a File Festival with all money going towards Japan. Warren McAllen, president of the chapter, is featured on the NBC news coverage of the event as he represents the JET Program and JETAA USA.
http://www.nbcactionnews.com/dpp/lifestyle/japanese-film-festival-at-johnson-county-cc-to-raise-money-for-victims-of-earthquake-and-tsunami

one comment so far...

• Terry Vo Said on October 18th, 2011 at 10:28 pm:
  

  JETAAMC raised $9,000 with the Japan America Society of Tenneessee at the Top Chef Tsunami Dinner Relief event.

  We are so proud to be one of the many JETAA chapters that gathered all the resources that we could do our part for Japan!