Newsletter Jan 20, 2022
KIZUNA’S NEW BOARD CHAIR
We’re very excited to announce Bryce Ikemura as Kizuna’s new Board Chair! Bryce has been a part of Kizuna's Program Pipeline since 2014 and is an alumnus of both our NCI and Board Fellowship program, in addition to serving as an instructor in our Leadership and Summer Camp programs. He has served on board for two years and was Kizuna's Vice Chair in 2021. Hopefully, you can catch him this year at our in-person summer programs!
A message from Bryce:
"As I enter the third year of my board service with Kizuna, I'm looking forward to serving in a new capacity as the Board Chair. I've had the privilege of joining Kizuna on its journey of growth, change, and impact over the last ten years and I am so excited for our incredible staff to take us into our first in-person summer since the start of the pandemic. To me, Kizuna is an embodiment of that question folks have been asking for years: Where are the youth? I'm proud that we can confidently say "we're here," and I'll be even more proud, 10 years from now, when someone else in my shoes can say the same."
KIZUNA’S TRIP TO BUDOKAN
Last week, our staff took a field trip to Terasaki Budokan, Little Tokyo’s new multi-purpose sports and recreation center! We had so much fun touring the new facilities and meeting the Budokan staff!
Budokan is a community-driven project of the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC). After decades of planning, it was finally completed in 2020. Their mission is to provide a facility for youth, families, and seniors that offers sports, community activities, and opportunities to connect visitors to Japanese American culture and to a vibrant, sustainable Little Tokyo. Check out their website to stay up to date on their grand opening and upcoming events!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TERASAKI BUDOKAN GRAND OPENING
SAVE THE DATE! Join us as we celebrate the long-awaited GRAND OPENING of Terasaki Budokan on Saturday, March 12, 2022, in Little Tokyo! The event will be from 10 AM - 6 PM and will include free games, performances, activities & food. You don’t want to miss out on this momentous occasion!
ISSEI & NISEI FARM LEGACY PROJECT
The Walk the Farm Fundraiser is still collecting farm family memories of stories and photographs to feature for their “Issei and Nisei Farmers: Their Legacy” tribute. Help spread awareness and send a message of hope to farmers around the world devastated by natural disasters. We encourage everyone to research your ancestry and share your family history of agriculture with those attending this event in June!
GVJCI SETSUBUN
Celebrate Setsubun online with GVJCI on Saturday, February 5 at 2PM! Make an oni-themed obento and learn about the traditions of this Japanese holiday! The participation fee is $5. Click below to register now!
SUPPORT KIZUNA
In our programs, we emphasize the value of philanthropy, because philanthropy is a powerful way for people to deepen their connections with one another and the communities they care about. Generosity from people like you make Kizuna possible. Please consider making a donation so that we can continue to build a future for our community for generations to come! Thank you for your support!
