The Daily Bulletin Archive

As soon as Sakura Sato heard that the Great East Japan Earthquake had literally destroyed Iwate Prefecture, her home province, on March 11, 2011, she immediately took it upon herself to contact all Japanese students in the Niagara region, the Japanese Group of Buffalo, and the members of the Buffalo-Kanazawa Sister City Association.

Although she knew that her loved ones in Japan were safe, she was fully aware that her country would need as much help as possible to recover from this terrible natural disaster. Being in her last semester of studies and majoring in Health and Wellness, Sakura initiated a major fundraising campaign while knowing that she needed to receive her bachelor’s degree on May 14, 2011, which she very successfully did.

From selling wristbands and T-shirts at the Buffalo State Bengal 5 K Run, at area shopping malls, at the Campus House, during the weekly International Social Hour, and the annual International Cultural Fiesta to conducting a Sakura Walk in Delaware Park and getting involved with the Inter Greek Association fundraiser, Sakura was relentless in her endless fundraising quest.

At the same time, Sumiyo Roland, a recent graduate of the Buffalo State ceramics program originally from the Toyama Prefecture, and Megan Cosgrove, another Buffalo State ceramics alumnus, came up with the idea of having a Buffalo State art fundraiser to support the relief efforts in Japan. They approached Robert Wood and Sunhwa Kim from the Buffalo State Design Department, both of whom have been to Japan, with their exceptional concept. As a result, the four of them organized “Bijutsu,” an art sale held on campus in the Czurles-Nelson Gallery to benefit the victims of the earthquake. Buffalo State students, faculty, alumni, and area artists generously donated artwork for the fundraiser.

Jean Gounard, director of the International Student Affairs Office, was instrumental in organizing a lecture and demonstration on natural lacquer techniques by professor Sunhwa Kim. Gounard worked with Sakura to help organize several other events with lectures and presentations.

Thanks to the wholehearted hard work, dedication, and combined efforts of Sakura, Sumiyo, Megan, along with many volunteers, a total of $13,095 has been raised so far. The “Bijutsu” art sale at Buffalo State raised $7,075 and sent proceeds to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund organized by the Japan Society in New York City. Sakura Sato and her many friends and supporters raised $6,020 which is about to be handed over to the American Red Cross of Greater Buffalo.

Sakura, Sumiyo, and Megan will be long remembered for the quiet determination and passion they showed during this entire fundraising campaign as they reflected their deep love for Japan.

The outpouring of support from Buffalo State and the surrounding community, along with those who organized the events, are a true testament to the generosity of the citizens in our community responding to the crisis in Japan.