Every year, we pick a charity to support, one that has special meaning to us. Last year we were shocked to see the devastation from the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. When we chose the Japan Red Cross, you showed us how great your hearts are by opening them in an unprecedented outpouring of help for our friends in Japan. Thanks to you, we were able to give more than 2 million yen (about $24,000) to our friends across the ocean.
But tragedy sometimes strikes closer to home as well. A mere month after NDK15, we were shocked when a heart condition took Xiaolei Zhu, a member of our NDK family. Then in July, in our backyard, we watched in horror as news broke about the shootings at Century 16. We grieve with Xiaolei's family and friends, and also at the lives lost and shattered in Aurora. So, this year, we have chosen to support two charities for the first time.
We support the American Heart Association, in honor of Xiaolei and in hope that others will someday be spared the grief given to her friends and family. We also support the Community First Foundation - Aurora Victim Relief Fund, to help the victims of that shooting and their families. We will split the proceeds we raise and give half to each of these worthy organizations.
Please join us in helping these two causes, close to our hearts and closer to home.
Submitted by Jinnie on September 2, 2012 at 8:08 PM