Local Relief Efforts for Japan

With the tragic news following the magnitude 8.9 March 11 earthquake off the coast of Japan has led to a local effort to raise money for relief.

Performance Dance’s Nancy Schwartz has partnered with the local chapter of the American Red Cross to sponsor “A Prayer for Japan” on March 19. The program intends to raise money for the Japanese Earthquake Relief fund of the American Red Cross by honoring Japan with a music collaboration and dance. “Anyone can do it,” said Schwarz. “We are suggesting donations of $10, but really any amount helps.”

For Schwartz, this is part of a family tradition starting with her mother, who had administered relief efforts in Europe during World War II. “My parents were actively involved with the Red Cross, and this is something my husband and I believe in.”

Schwartz has organized other efforts to raise funds for disaster relief. In the spring of 2010 she held “Viva Chile!” to raise funds for the American Red Cross’ Chilean Earthquake Relief Fund and a similar fundraiser for Haiti, which raised about $1,000.

In her 30-year career as a dancer, Schwartz has performed with many dancers from Japan.

The American Red Cross, on its Web site, said Friday that the "Japanese Red Cross Society has extraordinary disaster response capabilities" and neither it, the Japanese government nor the U.S. State Department has asked the American Red Cross for help. The American Red Cross has nevertheless readied itself in case it is asked for help.

The American Red Cross also announced Friday: "Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. People can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific."