Governor launches Washington State-Japan Relief Effort

For Immediate Release: March 19, 2011

Gov. Chris Gregoire today launched the Washington State-Japan Relief Effort. Since the disaster, Washington�s businesses and residents have donated $7 million in support and assistance to disaster relief in Japan. In launching the effort, Gregoire set a goal of doubling that amount, asking the state�s residents and businesses to raise an additional $7 million.

�Like so many in our state, my heart is with the people in Japan,� said Gregoire. �The images we have seen are not of strangers but of friends, family members and co-workers. It is up to us to step up to this challenge and show the world that generosity is the Washington way.�

�The incredible outpouring of support in response to this disaster is very touching,� said Consul General Kiyokazu Ota. �I am very glad to know I can call on Washington in times of need.�

Recently, the governor and her husband Mike helped the American Red Cross and several Japanese-American community groups collect more than $22,000 of donations at the Sounders� opening match. The state�s businesses have already shown their generosity and donated millions of dollars worth of support and assistance.

"We are encouraging our 7,400 members, their families and the people who work for them to help the people of Japan who, in one short week, have been devastated by a mammoth earthquake and killer tsunami,� said Don C. Brunell, president of the Association of Washington Business. �The people in America have always been generous in their support to help people in need around the world and this is the time for all of us to help again. We commend Governor Gregoire for her efforts to mobilize Washingtonians from every walk of life to help. The one thing we know about people in our state is, even in the most difficult of times, they pitch in and are generous. We support her efforts."

"The crisis in Japan hits close to home given our close relationship with the country,� said Steve Mullin, executive director of the Washington Roundtable. �Our businesses and community leaders are eager to step up in this time of need and help our close friends and allies. We are pleased to join the Governor's efforts and encourage our members to do the same.�

Washington and Japan�s economic and cultural ties are strong. Japan is Washington�s third largest export market, and the state imports $14 billion in trade from the nation. Three dozen Washington cities have sister cities in Japan. The Hyogo Prefecture is Washington�s sister state.