Comics / Press Releases

Anime Expo Dedicates Annual Charity Auction To Japanese Disaster Relief

By The Editor
April 12, 2011 - 13:33

Anime Expo (AX), North America's largest anime and manga celebration, today announced that the proceeds of its annual Charity Auction held July 4, 2011 will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society. The fundraiser will give the tens of thousands of anime fans who attend AX a special way to come together as a community and support the survivors of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March.

“The Japanese Red Cross appreciates the efforts and donations from anime fans in North America,” said Sayaka Matsumoto, a spokesperson for the organization. “The money raised will help people in the disaster-affected prefecture as they reconstruct their lives.”

The AX Charity Auction will feature rare and valuable pieces of anime and manga art, autographed collectibles and other items donated by AX Guests of Honor, sponsors and other industry professionals. Since its inception in 2006, AX has raised more than $105,000 for charitable causes.

“While news of the disaster may start to recede from the headlines by July, we know it will still be top-of-mind for anime fans who have a heartfelt connection with the people of Japan,” said Marc Perez, Chairman and CEO of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the non-profit that produces Anime Expo. “The team is working extra hard to make this year's auction our most successful fundraising effort ever with a truly amazing assortment of anime, manga and other one-of-a-kind memorabilia.”

Last month, AX Live dedicated a special 2-hour episode of its weekly webcast to an online fundraiser for Japanese disaster relief. Their efforts raised over $2,100 through the auction of a VIP travel package to AX and other special items.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12