Supporting Japan: Two Years Later

by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross

Today is the two-year anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in 2011. Two years ago, the generosity of the American public helped the American Red Cross raise $312 million toward relief efforts. Those donations have gone toward everything from rebuilding hospitals and nursing schools to providing nearly 338,000 people with appliances for their new homes to providing emotional support to survivors.

It is because of the kindness of so many of you that we have been able to put our support behind our partners at the Japanese Red Cross as Japan continues to rebuild. Two years ago, we put the call out for your help. Here are some of the many stories of how many of you right here in DFW answered:

• Handmade Guitars Help Heal Japan
• Small Hands Raise Big Change to Help Japan
• Families Come Together to Help Citizens of a Devastated Country Half a World Away

As we look back two years later, please know that your amazing generosity and compassion back then was felt and continues to make a difference today. It is because of your support that the American Red Cross continues to stand ready to help, whenever and wherever we are needed.

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Handmade Guitars Help Heal Japan

Written by Natalie Horn, volunteer contributor 

Guys Building Guitars, a Dallas club consisting of 80 members with a passion for building guitars, recently raised $900 for the American Red Cross by auctioning off a one-of-a-kind custom built guitar.

“We started this club just over a year ago, as fate would have it, the day before the tsunami hit Japan,” said Dan Chenault, the club’s founder. 

Chenault said he felt inclined to help because of the club’s love for Japanese guitars.

“I sent an email out to the club that said we need to do something because Japan has built some great instruments and all of us have owned Japanese guitars at some time,” Chenault added. 

The project was funded by collecting donations from local businesses and friends, and some donations came in from as far as Nashville, TN. 

The custom Stratocaster was built as a group effort and displays a rising sun logo and inlaid mother of pearl Japanese characters that represent healing.

Chenault accepting an appreciation
certificate at the July meeting.

The instrument was auctioned at the Dallas International Guitar Festival. Heritage Galleries ran the auction and took no fee for their services, meaning every penny of the $900 raised went to Red Cross relief efforts. 

The club plans to continue in their philanthropic efforts by building two new guitars to be auctioned off at next year’s festival.  

Who knew a love and talent for making custom guitars could bring so much hope and healing to our Japanese brothers and sisters across the globe? It's stories like this that serve as a great reminder that your unique Red Cross fundraiser is just an idea away! 

To learn more about hosting a third party fundraiser for the Red Cross, visit us online or contact Pat Shannon. To make a one-time donation online today, visit us online or call 1-800-Red-Cross.

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