Event raises ¥26mn for sick children
- Attended by over 200 brightly dressed supporters
- Money to support facility dogs and arts programme
- Work underway for charity’s 2015 event calendar
Shine On! Kids, a non-profit organisation supporting children with cancer and other serious illnesses in Japan, held its 9th annual fundraiser on 27 September at the Tokyo American Club.
Over 200 supporters, in brightly coloured shirts, sarongs and summer frocks were dressed to attract attention—and, thus, funds—for programmes the charity will need over the next year.
Contributions on the night amounted to ¥26mn, which will fund the work of two full-time, specially trained facility dogs Yogi and Bailey—who provide love and companionship to patients at Shizuoka Children’s Hospital and Kanagawa Children’s Medical Center.
Also receiving funds is the Beads of Courage® programme, which provides art as a means of support and strength to children coping with serious illness.
Speakers at the luau-themed event included Kim Forsythe, president of Shine On! Kids, as well as patients and families who will benefit from the programmes.
Entertainment included games and dancing, as well as performances from singer/songwriters Donna Burke, Natalie Ferris and Aimee Blackschleger, family musical group Hulabootie/Pa’i Kukui, and the Tokyo International Children’s Choir.
Supporters of the charity can look forward to an exciting range of events in 2015, including running event Paracup in April, Executive Fight Night in May, and a 10th anniversary extravaganza fundraiser in September.
