UPDATE ON EARTHQUAKE RELIEF EFFORTS
SEVEN LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS PLAN MEMORIAL TO SICHUAN EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

For Immediate Release   May 29, 2008
CONTACT: Chinese American Service League (312)791-0418
Or Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (312) 326-5320
Or ENERI Communications (312) 635-0888 or info@enericom.net

CHICAGO, IL— In response to recent 7.9 magnitude earthquake that rocked the southwest region of China where 65,000 have perished, the Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund has been established. There will be two events related to this tragedy. The first event is the counting of the donation money on Friday, May 30 at 4:30pm at Pacific Global Bank. The second event is a memorial for the victims of this tragedy on June 1st, from 1-3pm in Chinatown Square. This somber occasion is open to everyone and will help bring the community together to reflect upon the disaster and remember all those that have been affected. Linda Yu of ABC 7 Chicago TV News and Nancy Loo of FOX Chicago TV will emcee the event. A tally of the donations received through donor’s boxes will be presented and contributions by the associated organizations will also be recognized. The Office of the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China will be present to thank the community for its outpouring of support.

Since the May 12th earthquake, donation boxes have been placed all throughout the community to help raise money for the fund. Over the past two weeks, the Chicagoland community has responded with tens of thousands of individuals donating to help provide the people of Sichuan with the vital aid they need by raising an estimated $500,000. On Friday afternoon, May 30th, the Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund will perform a formal count of all donations received in collection boxes at Pacific Global Bank, 2323 S. Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616. Press is welcome to attend the counting at 4:30pm.

Contributions to this Fund are still being accepted at all of the organizations headquarters and at six area banks. Contributions to the Fund will be presented to the Sichuan Provincial government via the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China so they can rebuild necessary schools. Tax deductible contributions may be made through Charter One Bank, CitiBank, Fifth Third Bank, Harris Bank, Lakeside Bank, and Pacific Global Bank in all of their respective branches. Donations can be made through CASL via check or charge card (VISA, Mastercard) and mailed or phoned in to CASL’s office at 2141 S. Tan Court, Chicago, IL 60616, (312) 791-0418. Please make checks payable to CASL - Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund.

The June 1st event is being planned by seven Chinese organizations among more than 80 organizations who have come together to assist with the outpouring of calls, emails and checks from people wishing to donate to the earthquake relief effort.  The coordinating organizations include Chicago Chinese Free Masons (Sam Ma), Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago (Dr. Hong Liu), Southwest Chinese Association (Tony Hu), Chinese American Service League (Bernie Wong), Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (Ray Spaeth II), Chinese American Civic Council (Woody Lee), and Pui Tak Center (David Wu) have brought their respective organizations under the same banner to help to gather these urgently-needed relief funds.  Organizers of the event were moved by the many messages of concern and support: “We are all citizens of the world, and care deeply when any area suffers a natural disaster. For many of us from the Chinese community, this is the country we came from and where we have loved ones, so we are especially grateful for this outpouring of concern. We are proud to join together in helping to collect and direct funds to reach those suffering the effects of the earthquake in China.  We hope you will join us on June 1st in remembering those who have lost their life.”

For further information about the Sichuan Earthquake Relief Fund and how you can participate, please contact the CASL Development Department at develop@CASLservice.org or the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce at 312-326-5320.  For continuous media updates, please visit IPTV media partner SuncasTV and www.suncastv.com

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