The 2019 JETAA Chicago Shinnenkai was a great success!
Despite the snowy weather on January 19th, almost 100 alumni, friends, family and members of the Japan-America community in Chicago came to the Japanese American Service Committee on north Clark St. to share in our cultural celebration! Attendees witnessed an amazing aikido demonstration from students and instructors with the Japanese Culture Center, made their own onigiri with rice from Slurping Turtle, learned to write their names in katakana, created zodiac calendars with Tampopo Kai, were instructed in the art of calligraphy, and able to try on beautiful kimono and yukata thanks to JETAA Wisconsin’s Adriana Avery and Katie Slupsky! All while enjoying delicious Japanese cuisine and beer generously donated by Sapporo USA.
In memory of Daniel Pruitt, fundraising efforts were focused on a donation to the Be The Match Foundation. Thanks to the generous donation of fukubukuro prizes from:
and the efforts of several of our community members in procuring them, including:
Bree Story
Josh Schanen
Julianne Medrano
Kam Lie
Lara Espinoza
Ruby Benigno
Alex Steveson
Tim Sullivan
Victoria Nugent
We were able to raise FINAL DONATION AMOUNT for an organization doing important work to connect bone marrow donors with those in need on behalf of our dear friend.
Thank you again to all of our partners, volunteers and everyone that attended in support of our efforts to raise a donation for the Be The Match Foundation! To learn more about how you can continue to support Be The Match, visit their website!
To see the dance performed in memory of Daniel, check out our YouTube page.
Looking for more Japan related fun throughout the year? Follow us on social media and continue to visit our website for updates on all of our upcoming events! And check out the Japanese American Service Committee and the Japanese Culture Center for even more ways to stay connected!
We will see you again in 2020 to celebrate the year of the rat!
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