Hatsuro and Amey Aizawa Donate $20,000 to San Francisco Japantown Foundation
SAN FRANCISCO (Dec. 11, 2006) - Community leaders and philanthropists Hatsuro "Hats" and Amey Aizawa have donated $20,000 to the San Francisco Japantown Foundation, announced foundation board president Donald K. Tamaki.
Hats Aizawa, who was born on Post Street between Laguna and Buchanan Streets and lived there until he was 17, has spent a lifetime along with Amey serving Japantown and the Japanese American community through his leadership of numerous organizations. He currently co-chairs the Japantown Centennial steering committee.
"Hats and Amey have always been tremendous supporters of Japantown and the community and once again, they are leading the way with their generosity," said Tamaki.
"We're just trying to give back to Japantown," said Aizawa. "I hope others will join us by investing in the foundation, which will play a role in ensuring the future of our community while remembering the past."
The San Francisco Japantown Foundation (www.sfjapantownfoundation.org) announced on Dec. 5 its establishment as a nonprofit public benefit corporation to provide financial support of cultural, charitable and educational activities and services for the benefit of residents, visitors and other stakeholders of San Francisco's Japantown and of activities and services that promote the growth, development and preservation of the area as a community that reflects the Japanese American experience. The organization's 501(c)(3) status is pending.
Kintetsu Enterprises of American provided $500,000 to endow the foundation. Jack Hirose also made a donation of stock worth more than $100,000.
In addition to Tamaki, the foundation's board includes Richard Hashimoto of the Japantown Merchants Association, Jack Hirose, Eiji Miwa, Sandy Mori of Japantown Taskforce, Inc., Allen Okamoto of Sakura Matsuri and Hiroshi Tomita of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California. Kazuyoshi Yamaguchi, Deputy Consul General of the Consulate General of Japan serves as an advisory member.
Donations to the Foundation can me made payable to "San Francisco Japantown Foundation" and addressed to:
San Francisco Japantown Foundation
c/o Minami Tamaki LLP
360 Post Street, 8th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108
