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Contact: Diane Tanaka
310-222-5709
GO FOR BROKE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION SET
TO KICK OFF SPRING FUNDRAISING DRIVE
“Their Stories - Our Challenge”
Calls on Supporters to Further Educational Programming Focused
on the American Story of Japanese American WWII Veterans
TORRANCE, Calif. (April 12, 2004) - On April
18 the Go For Broke Educational Foundation, an organization dedicated
to educational programs that focus on the significance of the
Japanese American World War II veterans, will begin its spring
fundraising drive in an effort to raise more than $500,000 for
its educational initiatives. Prominent Los Angeles attorney, and
chairman of the Japanese American Bar Association, Bill Seki will
serve as the campaign chair of the fundraising drive titled “Their
Stories - Our Challenge.” Senator Daniel Inouye will serve
as honorary chair of the intensive five-week campaign that runs
through May 23, and enlists the efforts of 125 volunteers.
“This fundraising campaign is important to ensuring the
Go For Broke Educational Foundation continues well beyond the
years we have remaining with the Nisei WWII veterans,” said
Seki, himself the son of late WWII veteran Lloyd Seki. “The
significance of the Nisei veterans’ sacrifices is beyond
our generations’ comprehension. The veterans’ patriotism
during a time when racial prejudice and injustice was prevalent
enabled my generation and future generations of Americans to enjoy
the rights of citizenship that was denied them. We all must do
what we can to ensure their contributions, their fight, is never
forgotten.”
To fulfill its goals, the Educational Foundation must inspire
a greater understanding of what Americans of the “greatest
generation” endured before and after World War II. That
is one of the goals of the Go For Broke Educational Foundation,
to educate the general public about the injustice that was the
incarceration of Japanese Americans and the pivotal role the Nisei
WWII vets played in ensuring that such atrocities never again
occur to any group of Americans.
In addition to perpetuating the message, the monies raised are
vital to continuing and expanding the programs of the Educational
Foundation. These programs include an ever-expanding oral history
archive, extremely vital resource center, award-winning educational
Web site and comprehensive teacher training program.
“I am pleased to serve as Honorary Chairman of the fundraising
campaign for the continuation of the Educational Foundation’s
education programs in California and Hawaii, and for the Hanashi
Oral History Program,” said Senator Inouye.
The Educational Foundation’s Hanashi Oral History Program
does a tremendous job in recording histories of WWII Nisei veterans
- today its archive numbers nearly 420 interviews. The program
will continue as it attempts to interview all the remaining Japanese
American World War II veterans. Moreover, as the Educational Foundation’s
preservation objectives are accomplished; its goals for the future
are even more ambitious as it focuses on the dissemination of
the story nationally.
A key element to the Educational Foundation’s dissemination
goals is its use of innovative technology-based initiatives. A
first step in these efforts is the recent overhaul and re-launch
of www.GoForBroke.org
as an educational resource for teachers, researchers and the general
public. In addition, in February 2004, the Educational Foundation
opened its Resource Center --located in its Torrance office--
to expand upon the information available at www.GoForBroke.org.
This offers the opportunity for anyone to inquire and further
research the entire oral history archive on computer stations
at the Resource Center, as well as peruse an extensive collection
of books, artifacts, photos and films about the Japanese American
World War II veteran experience.
Anyone that wishes to participate in “Their Stories - Our
Challenge” should call (310) 328-0907. The campaign begins
April 18 and runs through May 23.
