Artist Help Japan Movement at the Art Institute of Los Angeles

On Thursday, March 10, 2011, one of the most devastating events had occurred: Japan was hit by a 8.9 magnitude earthquake, causing a tsunami to devastate the city of Sendai , and the nuclear reactor in Fukushima is currently spreading radiation through Japan.  Almost 5,000 people's lives were lost from the tsunami, and 100,000 people are reported missing.  The Daiichi nuclear power plant exploded recently causing countless more to be affected by radiation.  The Japanese who were affected by the tsunami are desperately trying to stay calm and keeping their spirits up.  This is a national crisis; Japan needs much as help they can get from the entire world because it effects not only in japan, but also the entire world.
There are a lot of students including me who have family and/or friends in Japan who are victims of this crisis, so I want to show Japan that the Art Institute is willing to assist in the recovery effort by providing a fundraiser with the help of the Artists Help Japan Movement which is lead by the art director from Pixar, Daisuki Tsutsumi. He was also behind 2008 Totoro Forest Project to help preserve Sayama Forest in Japan and Sketchtravel Project. All the funds will go to Give2Asia/Asian Foundations existing fund towards Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Fund.  Give2Asia is a US 501 (c) (3) public charity, to which contributions are tax deductible (Federal Employer Identification #94-3373670).
 I’m planning is to hold a Japanese Tsunami awareness day at the Art Institute in Los Angeles on the third week of the next quarter. The date and time is still pending.  What I’m proposing is that from each department, animation, graphic design, interior design, fashion and game art department is to hold a silent auction showcasing student and faculty artwork. The proceeds from the artwork sold will be donated to the NPO Give2Asia. Each donor would receive   The artwork can be a Japanese relief theme or any artwork they want to donate.  I would like to invite friends, family, faculty, other students, and also people from animation, game, and graphic design studios.    People from the audio department can do a live show to increase awareness, and the culinary students can do a bake sell to fundraise.  Also each person who donates to the Artists Help Japan Movement would receive a handmade origami crane, the crane represents a form of healing and hope during challenging times.  I am currently working on attracting both donors and sponsors for this event.
This is a great opportunity for students to exhibit their work and network with professionals not only in California or with their dream company, but perhaps make contacts in Japan.  I’m calling on those who are saddened by these events to stand and let their voices be heard.  Those who wish to fly to Japan and help but are unable to, this is their time.  We can be a greater force in this world if we rally together for the good of humanity.  I hope this letter shall move you to action to assist in this endeavor.  Any assistance I can get to help this crisis would be greatly appreciated by Japan, Give2Asia, and me.

Any suggestion or help with this cause will be much appericiated!