Tom Ige, left, is pictured with JACL Planned Giving’s Steve Okamoto during a meeting in Los Angeles on Feb. 3. (Photo: Gil Asakawa)
The Pacific Citizen’s 2017 Spring Campaign got off to a roaring start in February thanks to a significant donation made by longtime supporter and reader Tsutomu “Tom” Ige.
Ige, along with his daughter, Natalie, and her husband met with P.C.’s staff, Editorial Board Chair Gil Asakawa, JACL National President Gary Mayeda and JACL Planned Giving’s Steve Okamoto on Feb. 3 in Los Angeles to discuss his donation and the ways in which the P.C. can best utilize his gift.
“To me, the Pacific Citizen is the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Nikkei community and other readers. It gives our community what it needs in terms of informing us what is important in our daily lives and also the many contributors that express interesting personal opinions and experiences that have a bearing in the lives of us all,” said Ige. “I implore you to consider supporting the Japanese American Citizens League and the Pacific Citizen as part of your legacy.”
The P.C. relies heavily on donations from its Spring Campaign to supplement operational expenses, staffing needs and assistance with printing and mailing costs.
“The Pacific Citizen is facing greater challenges with future publications and transitioning to the digital format. It needs support. … But I also realize that not everyone has access to digital, which is why the printed issues are still important,” said Ige.
The P.C. gratefully acknowledges Mr. Ige and all Spring Campaign supporters. Thank you!
