Domo arigato (thank you very much) to everyone who attended the "With Aloha" Japan fundraiser on Saturday at the Pagoda Restaurant and banquet facilities.
The April 9 fundraiser was a tremendous success because of YOU! There were 2,300 guests, including visitors to Hawaii, who enjoyed the delicious food, refreshing beverages and live entertainment.
We would also like to thank all of the restaurants, businesses, organizations, media groups and the countless number of volunteers who came out in full force to share their Aloha with us.
"There was so much food and drink, thanks to the generosity of the restaurants, beverage and food suppliers, that the food lines were almost nonexistent," says John Heckathorn of HONOLULU Magazine. "And the food, spread out over five levels, was nothing but fun."
The sold-out event generated more than $150,000 in donations. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Tohoku University Hospital's Japan Relief Fund. Since the disaster hit, Tohoku University Hospital has been providing food, medicine and comfort items to people in need from the surrounding areas.
"(Saturday) night was a testament that miracles can happen when talented and passionate people are committed to something larger than ourselves," says Duane Kurisu, chairman and CEO of aio. "What we've all accomplished together as a team will continue on as miracles through the efforts of Tohoku University Hospital and their outreach efforts in all the community clinics that they serve. Thank you everybody for allowing me to participate with you in such a noble effort."
From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank everyone for their generosity and for sharing their spirit of Aloha with those in Japan.
We greatly appreciate everyone's time, donations (monetary, food, beverages and silent auction items!) and, most importantly, your sincere commitment to help support this community-inspired fundraiser. With Aloha!
