By Bill Zeeble, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-958863.mp3
Dallas, TX – The tsunami in Japan has given the the DFW Japan-America Society a new mission: raising money for Dallas's sister city, Sendai, Japan. Bill Zeeble talked to Anna McFarland, the Japan-America Society's executive director.
McFarland: We've probably had 12-15 people or organizations contact us. Some are individuals just people who have any idea they want to do something and want to do their own little fundraiser. We've had 2 families that did a joint garage sale are going to send the proceeds to our fund.
Zeeble: What are some of the ideas you're discussing for the future relationship and development.
McFarland: Several people have said that the Japanese people have said, in addition to needing money , they would like to hear messages of hope for the future & So we're looking into what we might be able to do to send warm Texas greetings to the people of Sendai to let them know there are many people over here that are concerned and wish them well.
Zeeble: Have you been able to make contact with anyone there, after the tsunami, after the earthquake?
McFarland: Yes. I've been corresponding fairly often with a lady there who was active in planning many of our exchange of programs between Dallas and Sendai. She's been tracking down some of the students who came to Dallas on our exchange program and assuring us they were ok. We were a little concerned that we might be bothering her. But she wrote this message back saying that she cherished every word that we sent here. And she seemed surprised and grateful to kjnow what all is going on here.
Zeeble: An issue with non-profits is "How can I be sure the money I give is really going to the place I'm told it will go?
McFarland: We are taking our time to make a decision about where it will go. But we're committed to it going to support the efforts in Sendai. We're gathering information from the city of Sendai, the Sendai international relations association. And other other relief efforts there. We're conferring with a tax attorney so we'll be sure the money is used wisely, and we're taking time to make sure we do that.
Zeeble: Have you been able to make contact with anyone there after the tsunami, after the earthquake?
McFarland: Yes. I've been corresponding fairly often with a lady there who was active in planning many of our exchange of programs between Dallas and Sendai She's been tracking down some of the students who came to Dallas on our exchange program and assuring us they were ok. We were a little concerned that we might be bothering her. But she wrote this message back saying that she cherished every word that we sent here. And she seemed surprised and grateful to know what all is going on here.
Director Anna McFarland says the organization has raised some $17 thousand so far.