Delaware Fund for Miyagi

by DelawareGovernor

Delawareans Donate Close to $50,000 to Sister State in Japan

Miyagi Governor Sends Update and Heartfelt Appreciation

Governor Jack Markell welcomed representatives from Japan and approximately 200 Delawareans to a luncheon reception that helped raise close to $50,000 for the Delaware Fund for Miyagi, Japan.

Miyagi is the area hardest hit by the recent earthquake and tsunami. More than 7,300 people have died, 6,600 are still missing, and around 58,000 remain in evacuation centers in Miyagi Prefecture alone.

“The outpouring of support from people across our state has been tremendous,” said Governor Markell. “Delawareans have shown that we are a state of neighbors, even when our neighbors are on the other side of the world. Our families, students, teachers, and businesses have worked together for two decades. Our states are about the same size, but together our horizons and our opportunities are much bigger.”

Mr. Takahiro Ito, who just arrived in the United States as the new representative of the Miyagi Prefectural Government, read a letter from Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai.

“The efforts Delaware is carrying out for Miyagi is a testament to the deep bond we have as sister state. During these difficult times, many people from around the world have sent their condolences and support,” wrote Governor Murai. “In particular, the words of encouragement we received from Governor Markell and the people of Delaware have given us courage to face the challenges brought on by this disaster.” (Full letter available).

Mr. Daiichiro Takeuchi, Consul at the Consulate General of Japan in New York, and Mr. Hotaka Kawasaki, Counsellor and Deputy Executive Director of the Japan Local Government Center in New York, also shared their thanks on behalf of the Japanese government.

The event was co-hosted by Lt. Governor Matt Denn, President Pro Tempore of the Senate Anthony J. DeLuca, Speaker of the House Robert F. Gilligan, Senate Minority Leader F. Gary Simpson, House Minority Leader Gregory F. Lavelle, and City of Dover Mayor Carleton E. Carey Sr. William S. Montgomery, Chief of Staff to Mayor James M. Baker, represented Wilmington by presenting a $5,000 check to the Fund.

“In Delaware, we all help one another,” said Lt. Governor Denn. “I expect no less today. We always come together to help those in need and our friends in our sister state of Miyagi need us. I encourage folks to give what they can and continue to keep our friends in their hearts and minds.”

Mayor Carey described the deep history of school exchanges between Dover and Miyagi. Several students were due to arrive from Miyagi the week following the earthquake and tsunami, but those visits have been postponed. The city government, together with students, teachers and other members of the community have organized a family-oriented fundraiser with Japanese cultural activities for Saturday, April 16th at Dover High School Gymnasium (9:30 – 2:30 p.m.)

The “Delaware Fund for Miyagi, Japan” was initiated by the State of Delaware because many Delawareans were seeking a way to ensure the funds reached Miyagi Prefecture. Because no such fund existed, the Delaware Community Foundation stepped up and created one in less than 24 hours.

“The response has been incredible,” said Fred Sears, President and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation. “We’re seeing donations from up and down the state, and so much of the money has come through small donations of $5 or $10. People are really giving from their hearts, and that’s what matters.”

“We are very thankful for the show of support and solidarity already being demonstrated by Delawareans through their generous giving to our sister state of Miyagi, Japan,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock, whose office coordinated the event. “With the continued difficult times the people of Miyagi Prefecture face as they rebuild, we hope that they will be able to take at least some comfort in knowing that Delaware takes its role as sister state very seriously and values the long relationship the two have had.”

The reception was sponsored by Dover Downs, The News Journal Media Group, and Delmarva Broadcasting Company (WSTW 93.7 FM, WDEL 1150 AM, WXCY 103.7 FM, Eagle 97.7 FM, Cool 101.3 FM, La Exitosa 930 AM, Cat Country 97.5 FM, The Wave 97.1 FM, WICO 92.5 FM, and GraffitiRadio.com). Mike Rossi from WSTW and Mellany Armstrong from WDEL volunteered to serve as the Masters of Ceremony.

More information on the Delaware Fund for Miyagi, Japan is available at www.delaware.gov/HelpMiyagi. Donations are still being accepted.

To share photo, artwork, memories or wishes with each other and the citizens of Miyagi, Delawareans are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/DelawareForMiyagi.

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