Zynga and Mafia Wars Gamers Raise More Than $600,000 for Japan Relief
May 24, 2011
In just one week, Mafia Wars gamers raised more than $600,000 to support relief efforts in Japan. This donation will go a long way to help the people of Japan, including providing for their basic needs like food and shelter. On behalf of the people you have helped, Direct Relief extends its heartfelt thanks to Zynga and its gaming family. Watch a video of thanks here.
Wasserman Foundation Donates $100,000 to Japan Relief and Recovery Fund
April 6, 2011
The Wasserman Foundation has donated $100,000 to Direct Relief’s Japan Relief and Recovery Fund, established in partnership with the Japanese American Citizens League. The donation will help thousands of displaced Japanese citizens receive medical care, food, kerosene, sleeping bags, warm clothes and hygiene supplies in 20 care centers. 100% of this donation and all others given to the fund will be dedicated exclusively to relief and recovery efforts in Japan.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Japan during this challenging time,” said Casey Wasserman, president and chief executive officer of the Los Angeles-based Wasserman Foundation, his family’s private foundation. “We recognize the recovery process will be lengthy and we encourage Americans nationwide to join the Wasserman Foundation by making a donation of any amount to Direct Relief International.
Created by Edie and Lew Wasserman in 1952, the Wasserman Foundation provides grants to organizations that support education; health; the arts and culture; Southern California communities; and global initiatives.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Wasserman Foundation for keeping the focus on the citizens of Japan who will continue to need medical assistance and life-saving supplies for months to come,” said Thomas Tighe, president and CEO of Direct Relief International.
NBA Players Raising Funds for Japan Relief
March 24, 2011
Seven National Basketball Association (NBA) stars are donating $1,000 per point they score during their games March 25 to 27, with funds going to support Japan through Direct Relief's Japan Relief and Recovery Fund. LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol, Pau Gasol, Al Horford, JaVale McGee, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook are participating in this generous donation. The athletes, who are represented by the Wasserman Media Group, have rallied together in support of the people of Japan and Direct Relief's emergency response efforts there. To see a full list of games, see the press release here. See the MSNBC story here.
Grammy Award-Winning Violinist Hilary Hahn to Hold Benefit Concerts for Japan
March 23, 2011
Grammy Award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn is holding a series of concerts to benefit Direct Relief's Japan Relief and Recovery Fund, though which 100% of donations received will go to Japan. With her concert dates in Japan cancelled after the devastating earthquake and tsunami, Hahn felt moved to help the people of Japan and quickly scheduled concerts in informal venues. Her first show is March 24 in Baltimore at 2640 Saint Paul Street, starting at 7 pm. Proceeds from the concert as well as art and merchandise sales are being donated to support Direct Relief’s Japan Relief and Recovery Fund. Tickets for the Baltimore show ($20-$50) are available at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 800 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, and at the door (cash only). Limited seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis with standing room available. For more information, see Hilary Hahn's website
Zynga Supports Japan Relief with Interactive Game Component
March 20, 2011
Zynga, the social media game developer company, has teamed up with Direct Relief to support the recovery effort in Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami there. As part of its Facebook game Mafia Wars, Zynga has created a Japanese fan as a tool that players can buy; proceeds benefit Direct Relief’s work in Japan.
The fan’s Kanji script reads, appropriately, “Gift of Hope.” Zynga also has featured more information about Direct Relief that players can access while they are interacting with Mafia Wars. This exciting partnership is intended to boost funding for Direct Relief’s work to help the people of Japan in the recovery effort.
Cost Plus World Market Supports Direct Relief’s Efforts in Japan
Between March 23 and September 2011, net proceeds from sales of Japanese products to be donated to Direct Relief
March 18, 2011
In response to the devastating effects of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Cost Plus World Market is supporting Direct Relief’s emergency response efforts by donating all of net proceeds of sales of products from Japan during the next six months. When shoppers purchase such brands as Kikkoman, Ramune, Sapporo, and Kirin from March 23 to the end of September 2011, Cost Plus will donate 100 percent of its net proceeds to Direct Relief. Direct Relief will in turn provide 100 percent of these funds to help the people of Japan.
"Cost Plus World Market has a decades-long history of working with Japanese artisans and companies. It is important for the company to do our part to help those in need,” said Barry Feld, president and CEO, Cost Plus World Market. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those impacted by this devastating event."
Like Direct Relief, Oakland-based Cost Plus World Market was founded in California has a global focus. The company sells home accents, international foods and wines, furniture, and more in its 260 stores across the U.S. and online at worldmarket.com.
Amgen Donates a Generous $500,000 to Direct Relief to Help the People of Japan
March 15, 2011
Longtime corporate supporter Amgen has announced that it is donating $500,000 to Direct Relief International in support of emergency relief efforts in Japan. Amgen and the Amgen Foundation donated funds to help bring basic needs and vital health services to the people affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Amgen selected Direct Relief as a recipient for this generous donation because of the organization’s capacity and experience in responding to large-scale emergencies worldwide.
“Amgen has consistently stepped up to support our work during Direct Relief’s largest response efforts, including the earthquakes in Pakistan and Haiti,” said Brett Williams, Director of International Programs and Emergency Response. “This generous donation will boost our ability to help the people of Japan at this critical time.”
Based in California, Amgen has a long history in Japan with its partnership with Kirin Holdings and pharmaceutical affiliate Kyowa Hakko Kirin that began in 1984, and more recently partnerships with Takeda Pharmaceutical and Daiichi Sankyo.
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures, and delivers innovative human therapeutics, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bone disease, and other serious illnesses. Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. The Amgen Foundation seeks to advance science education; improve patient access to quality care; and strengthen the communities where Amgen staff members live and work.
This donation will significantly enhance Direct Relief’s ability to provide critically needed support to the people in Japan in their recovery.