| 6/12/2012 2012 JASI Annual Gala | ||||||||||||
JASI 2012 Annual Gala Report
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“Amazing. Meaningful. Terrific. Arigato….” Those were the words that were used by a JASI corporate member who attended the 2012 Annual Gala. Another JASI member emailed: “I laughed, I cried, I listened in slack-jawed wonder. I drank good wine and hugged a couple of dozen people I haven't seen in way too long. Thank you for an awesome evening! The best gala ever!” “It was helpful and educational to receive and update on Japan’s recovery; I hadn’t seen the information and guess many others hadn’t either,” commented another guest. “Everyone at our table had tears watching the video on earthquake relief.” These are just a few of the many positive comments we've received about the 2012 Annual Gala, which was attended by more than four hundred guests from all corners of the state and the Midwest! Thank you to all of our sponsors, speakers, guests, and volunteers who made this year's event one of the best galas ever.
Attendees enjoyed networking during the Patrons' Reception and the General Reception before the start of the dinner and program.
As part of the program, several JASI members were congratulated on their various anniversaries.
Tatsuhiro Shindo, JETRO Chicago Chief Executive Director, gave the keynote speech on Japan’s recovery and the spirit of “kizuna” – the bonds of friendship. We believe Shindo-san’s presentation helped all of the guests gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Japan’s progress following the 3.11 disasters.
Jake Shimabukuro, ukulele virtuoso, gave a remarkable performance.. And after four years of working to invite Jake, his extraordinary performance was a highlight of the evening! The evening concluded with a live auction of a ukulele signed by Jake, facilitated by JASI board member Pete Morse of Barnes & Thornburg. As part of the auction, guests were treated to a surprise performance of "You Are My Sunshine" by members of the JASI executive committee!
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