September 2009:
KOSC Charitable Giving Report AWWA
I can’t begin to express how excited I am about the upcoming board year. Last year the KOSC Charitable Committee was able to give away $60,767. We were able to make these generous contributions to worthy causes and deepen our relationship within the local community because of a strong team effort.
All proceeds given away are a direct result of profits earned at the Kadena Gift Corner. The Gift Corner is profitable because of the hard work and dedication of our member volunteers.
The primary responsibility of the KOSC Charitable Committee is to review applications and to distribute funds among the following four categories:
- Air Force Giving
- Kadena Welfare
- Japanese Welfare (funds distributed through AWWA)
- American Welfare (funds distributed through AWWA)
Air Force Giving and Kadena Welfare requests are handled exclusively by the Charitable Committee. Last year we were able to support the Air Force family by donating $11,000 to causes such as Air Force Aid Society, TAPS, Fisher House, and the AF Enlisted Village. We also were able to fund requests that directly supported Kadena AB such as Air Force Ball, Red Cross Derby Days, and Kadena Girl Scouts (just to name a few).
The Japanese and American Welfare requests are reviewed and funded by the American Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA).
AWWA is a separate private organization that was formed in 1972. The mission of AWWA is “to foster a relationship within the Okinawan Community through charitable donations, friendship and community involvement.”
AWWA has its own Constitution and Bylaws and an elected Executive Board. The General Board is made up from members from the five on-island spouse clubs (Marine Officers’ Spouses’ Club, Army Community Group of Okinawa, Kadena Officers’ Spouses’ Club, Naval Officers’ Spouses’ Club on Okinawa, and the Okinawa Enlisted Spouses’ Club).
Every other month representatives from all Spouse Clubs come together to review and fund requests that specifically benefit all Americans living on Okinawa (i.e. Special Olympics, Friends of the Storks Nest, and DoDDs requests). AWWA also proudly provides funding for Japanese requests that enrich the lives of our Okinawan neighbors.
In the past the Japanese requests have primarily been for large, expensive projects such as construction on buildings and heavy equipment. This meant that our gifts had a big impact, but that we were able to fund fewer projects. This year AWWA is pleased to announce that in addition to funding high dollar requests we are also starting a new “Skoshi” fund that will allow Japanese requests under $2500.00 to be fast tracked.
If you know of an organization that would benefit from our aid, please click a Request Funds or Download Application link on the KOSC website, or contact me at 959-4108.
It is our goal to be able to touch the lives of as many people possible through our giving!
Sincerely,
Jacklene Hutcheson
2009-2010 KOSC Charitable Chairperson
