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KARC reaches $100,000 in relief donations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Since the devastating earthquake and following tsunami struck the island of Honshu, Japan (commonly referred to as mainland Japan), March 11, service members and their spouses at Kadena have been working tirelessly to accumulate donations for the victims.

Thanks to their efforts, in little more than two months, Team Kadena has donated more than $101,000 through the Kadena American Red Cross with the aid of different organizations on-base including the Kadena Youth Center and Officer Spouse Club.

"This donation has greatly assisted with recovery and relief operations throughout mainland Japan," said Jason Ramlow, KARC station manager. "Given the magnitude of the donation, we not only support the acquisition of supplies including palletized water, food, blankets and emergency tools, but show our Japanese neighbors that we care."
Mr. Ramlow said at the time they reached their $100,000 achievement, 36 organizations and 54 individuals had donated to the KARC to aid Japan, speaking volumes for the people living on Kadena.

"The level and number of groups/individuals who have donated shows that Team Kadena is committed to assisting our Japanese neighbors in their recovery efforts in the wake of this terrible tragedy," Mr. Ramlow said. "Part of what made the fundraising possible has been the great support of Team Kadena volunteers, Red Cross and other wise. More than 36 organizations and countless individuals supported the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami relief effort through events such as coin donation and information booths, car washes and bake sales. Every little bit counts toward achieving this impressive outpouring of financial support from our community."

Numerous events were held to raise money, including a unique "no-show" dinner party organized by the KOSC.

Shortly after the disasters on the mainland, the KOSC wrote a poem inviting guests from Okinawa, mainland Japan and even the U.S. to a virtual dinner under the stars April 1, where guests bought tickets to an event they didn't have to go to.

Cindy Wilsbach, wife of 18th Wing commander Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach and honorary president of the Kadena Officers' Spouses Club, said thanks to the generosity of individuals who responded to the invitation by buying the $25 tickets, KOSC raised and donated more than $6,000 to the KARC.

"I think that this donation is a reflection of the affection Team Kadena has toward its host nation," said Mrs. Wilsbach. "This was just a way spouses were able to help in a small way. It was very exciting, and we were all thrilled to have taken part. The Red Cross's primary necessity [for relief efforts] was money, and we were all moved and motivated to want to do something. "

Since the March earthquake and tsunami, the American Red Cross as a whole has contributed $163.5 million toward relief and recovery initiatives.

It is anticipated that donations from the American Red Cross will support more than half of the long term recovery activities planned by the Japanese Red Cross, including the rebuilding of a temporary hospital in Ishinomaki City.