Islan Marianas donates anew for Yutu relief

Once again, in response to a catastrophic typhoon, the members of Islan Marianas, Inc. rallied together to support the relief efforts in the CNMI.

This organization, which is designated by the Internal Revenue Services as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit entity, was initially birthed in 2015 when a group of people in central Texas with CNMI roots and friends gathered together and held a car wash fundraiser, raising $900 which was sent to help the residents of the CNMI. The funds were distributed to the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter to be used toward the relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Soudelor.

In October 2018, in the wake of Super Typhoon Yutu, Islan Marianas mobilized resources and held a number of fundraisers, including a hot lunch sale, vending booths selling flower leis, local island food and pearl shakes, and using existing corporation funds to raise more than $4,300.

All funds were distributed to organizations on the ground providing relief to the island people. In order to support a container that was going to be loaded with needed items, the first amount of $1,530 was sent to the CNMI Club of San Diego within days after the storm. Thereafter, $1,400 was sent to Karidat Social Services and another $1,400 was sent to Empty Vessel Ministry, locally based organizations in support of their outreach and relief efforts.

Islan Marianas is comprised of many transplanted residents of the CNMI stationed or residing in Central Texas, as well as, friends of the islands.

The three-fold purpose of the organization is to promote the arts, culture and language of the Marianas and surrounding islands of the Pacific, to expand educational opportunities, and to conduct community outreach and to further the common good and general welfare of the community.

Since its inception, members have engaged in numerous community outreach projects, including an annual Shelter Christmas project, performing cultural dance at various venues, such as retirement homes, and even going house to house during the Christmas season blessing homes with the cultural practice of presenting the Niño. For the coming year, Islan Marianas will be awarding scholarships to selected qualified members in addition to conducting outreach and community service projects. For more information, check out our Facebook page—Islan Marianas Inc. (PR)