In 2005, the United States was hit with one of the most damaging hurricanes in history. Thousands of residents along the Gulf Coast were left homeless. Square dancers worldwide heeded the call, stepped up to the plate, and decided to help. Through the Square Dancers for Katrina Fund, square dancers delivered food and supplies and donated over $100,000.00 to help the needy. One of the first donations to the Fund came from dancers in Japan. The Japan Square Dance Association (headed by Mr. Tatsuzo Takese) and the Japanese Caller Association gave some of the largest donations recorded.
Last week, Japan was devastated by one of the worst earthquakes of all time. This earthquake and the resulting tsunamis have killed thousands and left many more thousands homeless, without food, water, or shelter. Many of these unfortunate people are fellow square dancers.
Together, we can make a difference. Over the years, square dancers have shown themselves to be some of the most caring people in the world. It is time, once again, for square dancers to unite and come to the aid of their fellow man. The Square Dancers for Japan Fund has been set up for just that purpose.
Grand Square, Inc. is a US IRS 501 (c) (3) USA non-profit foundation solely dedicated to promoting and preserving square dancing. Over the years GSI has been at the forefront in putting their time, energy and money to do just that. Through generous donations, GSI has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars worldwide to help promote square dancing.
GSI has once again volunteered to help with this fund raising drive and to funnel the monies collected. We have been in contact with several of Japan's square dance leaders - Shozo Nishimura (Head of the International Affairs Committee) and Doc Hiraga (Official Contact Person of the International Affairs Committee). We are waiting to hear from Mr.Handa ( Executive Director of the Japan Square Dance Association, headed by the President Tatsuzo Takase) to finalize everything.
In the interim, you can help now. Make your checks out to Grand Square, Inc., and
CLEARLY mark on the check that the money is to be earmarked for the
Square Dancers for Japan Fund. All donations are 100% tax deductible.
If you like, you can donate using VISA, MASTERCARD, or PayPal via our secure website – www.squaredancers4japan.org. Mail your tax deductible check to:
Grand Square, Inc.
Square Dancers for Japan Fund
2520 Sardis Road North
Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28227
TIME IS CRITICAL. Our Japanese brothers and sisters need help NOW!!!
Perhaps many of you have already donated to other national charities for this same purpose. However, this is an opportunity for the square dance world to unite for a common cause. If we, as a square dance community, can come together for the good of all, look at the positive impact that this may have.
Some fund raising ideas:
- Special fund raising dances
- Donate the proceeds of a regular club dance
- Collect money at all of your club dances
- Solicit money from your area business
- Contact your local or state dance/caller associations for a donation
- Sponsor a club Yard Sale
Or you can come up with some of your own…… Let’s show the world that square dancers, in addition to being the nicest people in the world, are also the most giving.
We will be updating the website –
www.squaredancers4japan.org on a regular basis to keep everyone abreast of our progress. Please check the site often. We need to get the word out quickly to as many square dancers worldwide as we possibly can. If you have a website, please post a prominent link to ours on your page. If possible send this letter out to any friends you have on the internet.
Tony Oxendine
Grand Square, Inc.