American Kitefliers Association

I've heard from Yoshizumi, Motoko-san, Kenji and Takeda-san. All are ok for now.

Phil, please get in touch with me for a donation. We were going to be in Japan for Boy's Day, and donate to the JKA auction. I would like to redirect those kite to any fundraising that AKA does for JKA.

Dave

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the generosity, but we've got enough incentives now, so please hold onto your kites until it's time to give to the auction at the convention.

For those who donate to the Japan Kiteflier Fund, you'll be entered into a drawing for:
a kite by Jon Burkhardt
a kite by Barbara Meyer
a miniature kite by Dave Butler
a hand-painted kite by Diane & Dave Butler
a Rev bag with no-snag handles
three subscriptions to Kitelife.com

Thanks again, kite donors and money donors. Everyone has really stepped up!

"Please understand the current situation in Japan and please allow us to send your donation to the people in north who really need help now urgently. "

A portion of a message  from Modegi-San which was posted by our AKA President in an AKA announcement.   Can someone confirm that we did "allow" him to send AKA donations to the Japanese people?  We plan on a larger donation if confirmed.  We believe Japan needs humanitarian aide "first and foremost".

Sue Moskowitz. 
Steve Santos

The decision ultimately rests with the Board, but I've recommended that we instruct the JKA to use the money in whatever way they think it will do the most good.  (BTW, Barbara is at Fort Worden right now, so it might be a couple days before she chimes in here.)

My response to Modegi-san was that we, the AKA, would defer to his judgment as to the most effective use of this money, and that will be my strong recommendation. He knows the situation much better than we do.
Thanks for considering a donation.

Last night, the group at Fort Worden opened hearts and wallets. Thanks to donations of miniature kites by Don Mock and David Butler, and general donations, over $900 was raised.
There will be another auction tonight for the Japan fund.

I helped represent AKA at the Uiseong International Kite Festival in South Korea (2 & 3 April 2011) where David Gomberg (on behalf of AKA President) announced to the 22 countries present that the collected AKA donations had been sent to JKA. 
Takakuwa-san graciously accepted the news on behalf of JKA President, Modegi-san, and everyone present wished Japan a speedy recovery. 
Then we flew kites and forgot our troubles for a few hours.

As an adjunct to the monetary donations noted above, back in April our AKA President, Barbara, put out a call to help the many children in Japan who had lost everything as the result of the earthquake and tsunami.  A goal of sending 500 kids kites to Japan was set.  The thought being that flying kites might occupy the kids with a healthy outdoor activity while their parents are trying to deal with the realities of this catastrophe. 
It is my understanding that several clubs including the Westport Windriders, the TACKOS group from Texas and the White Horse Kite Flyers from the UK have contributed kites. If there are other clubs that participated I am not intentionally slighting them, I simply don’t know.  Others have made individual contributions.  In addition to the 500 kites generously donated by the Texas Ogletrees, Barry and Karen, another 140 kites were contributed by others. Again, I don’t know the names of each person donating but they know who they are and should be proud.  That’s 640 kites going to kids who I'm sure can use a little joy in their lives.  IMO this effort represents a positive gesture on behalf of the greater kiting community. 
I'm reminded of the "one sky one world " motto. A "well done" to all whom participated.

Oh, I probably should also mention that, as I understand it, FedEx agreed to ship the kites at no charge.   If that is indeed the case then they deserve an “attaboy” as well.
Just today I found out that the project continues and there will hopefully be another shipment.  I’ll take the liberty of suggesting that if you want to know more about it or offer a contribution you should contact Barbara.  It’s a "good thing."