Based on a recent donation plea from the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 2800 W. River Rd., the SAJCC Council voted in December to donate $1000, as part of the 2020 pandemic relief fund. The New Year’s Tucson Japanese Festival was held at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center in Jan. 2019 and Jan. 2020. (The Festival is cancelled for 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic).
The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center has been closed since mid-March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and had to cancel their Year of the Rat Lunar New Year major fundraising dinner in February. They also have had to cancel ongoing events/festivals and the Senior program (exercise, tai chi, mah jong, etc.) for most of 2020. The Tucson Chinese School (for children) has been virtual during this time.
Previously in August 2020, the Council donated emergency relief funds to Odaiko Sonora taiko drummers, the Tucson Japanese Language School, Yume Japanese Gardens, and Ikkyu restaurant. See article: http://www.southernazjapan.org/sajcc-donates-assistance-funds-during-covid-19-pandemic/
SAJCC Council is made up of 13 individuals:
Sharon Arceneaux, Crystal Akazawa, Carolyn Sugiyama Classen, Clint Cooper, M. Fumie Craig, Karen Falkenstrom, Yuki Ibuki, Miyako McKay, K Negley, Miki Pimienta, Ginger Sugimoto, Dr. Min & Evelyn Yanagihashi. (Founding members are Crystal, Carolyn, M., Yuki, Min & Evelyn).
Questions should be addressed to Director Yuki Ibuki at yuki@southernazjapan.org.