[Squaredancing] Square Dancers for Japan Relief Fund

[Ken Robinson]

[Original from Tony Oxendine]

March 15, 2011

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) to finalize
everything.  Our intent is to collect the monies and forward it to the Japan
Square Dance Association to distribute to the needy as they see fit.

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
and ALL of the monies collected will be delivered to the Japanese Dancer
Association.    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:

a.	Special fund raising dances
b.	Donate the proceeds of a regular club dance
c.	Collect money at all of your club dances
d.	Solicit money from your area business
e.	Contact your local or state dance/caller associations for a donation
f.	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.

If you have any further questions, please email us at
info at squaredancers4japan.org, or you can contact me directly at
803-840-0746.

We will keep you updated via the website.  We thank you in advance.

Tony Oxendine
Grand Square, Inc.