Japan Consulate receives $10K for Kumamoto victims

Saipan World Resort president and general manager Hyung Cho Kim, fourth left, hands over the symbolic check to Japanese Consul Toshio Matsumura, second right, last week. From left, World Resort local sales, marketing and public relations manager Mike Babauta, operations director Juko Ishikawa, Japan sales and marketing manager Eri Nagashima, and human resources manager Miriam K. Seman were also present in the turn over ceremony. (Jon Perez)

The Japanese Consulate received a $10,000 donation from the Saipan World Resort last Thursday with the money part of the local community’s ongoing efforts to raise funds to help victims of the Kumamoto earthquake.

The Japanese flag outside the Japanese Consulate Office in Puerto Rico remains at half staff after a 7.0-magnitude quake hit Kumamoto City last month causing massive damage to numerous structures and claiming the lives of 49 people. Modern and historical buildings either caught fire or collapsed.

World Resort local sales, marketing and public relations manager Mike Babauta said the money was the result of their fundraising activity from its Wave Jungle water park last month.

“We did a water park promotion from May 13 to 15 to basically help with the relief efforts. The $5 donation entitles you to an all day water park pass,” said Babauta.

“The three-day event exceeded our expectation and we have to limit the number of guests at the water park due to safety. Safety of our hotel guests and customers is always our top priority,” he added.

Babauta said the hotel management matched the amount raised during the event coming up with the $10,000, which they handed over the check to the Japanese Consulate last Thursday.

World Resort president and general manager Hyung Cho Kim, operations director Juko Ishikawa, human resources manager Miriam K. Seman, and Japan sales and marketing manager Eri Nagashima joined Babauta in turning over the check to Japanese Consul Toshio Matsumura.

“It was a meaningful event and many people participated. We would like to thank the community for helping out with our fundraising efforts. Their donation would go a long way in helping our friends in Japan,” said Kim.

Matsumura thanked the World Resort management for its contribution. “On behalf of the Japanese government, we thank World Resort for the donation. The money will be sent to the Japanese government, which will then hand over it to the local government of Kumamoto City.”

The Japanese Society of Northern Marianas also did their own fundraiser held all Thursdays of May at the Street Market and the four Saturdays of the Taste of the Marianas, while Aqua Resort Club also held a brunch fundraising event last May 20 at the Costa Terrace restaurant.