News
Connections Earmarks Funds for Local Charities
The Club's Connections group plans to donate ¥5 million to local charities in 2021.
In a year that has seen the Covid-19 pandemic decimate economies, many nonprofits have struggled to keep up with the increased demand on their services.
"Without the support of Connections, these organizations cannot fully support all of the pressing needs in our broader community," says Connections President Heidi Regent. "The pandemic has sharply cut into their funding and financial stability."
Regent says Connections selected charities particularly affected by the crisis, such as Second Harvest Japan food bank, Sanyukai homeless shelter, TELL counseling services and Resilience, a women's support group.
"Charity is one of our three pillars at Connections," she says. "We recognize our own abundant blessings and take great pride in helping those less fortunate in Tokyo."
The other charities set to receive funds raised by Connections are A Dream A Day in Tokyo, Animal Refuge Kansai, Family House and the Salvation Army Japan (pictured).
New Club Board Unveiled
At the Club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 17, seven Members were elected to the Club's Board of Governors.
At the first Board meeting following the AGM, Michael Benner was selected to serve as representative governor for a one-year term.
Read more...Fundraising Sale a Success
The recent, Connections-organized International Bazaar raised nearly ¥4 million for local charities.
The three-day, annual sale, which ran from November 8 to 10, drew more than 1,000 shoppers and saw almost ¥20 million in sales, surpassing last year's figure.
"The joy that this event brought to our community—local vendors, shoppers, volunteers and staff—made the planning, preparations and hard work so worthwhile," says Connections President Heidi Regent.
Connections supports a number of local nonprofits through its sales, charity drives and other fundraising efforts.
Remembering Minette Nakamichi
The Club is saddened to announce the untimely passing of longtime Club employee Minette Nakamichi.
Joining the Club's Membership Office in December 2000, she touched the lives of countless Members over her 20 years of conducting Club tours and guiding newcomers through the process of settling into the Club.
Originally from Singapore, Minette moved to Japan more than 30 years ago.
A keen cook and foodie, Minette's colleagues appreciated her Tokyo restaurant tips and the freshly baked chiffon cakes she would bring to the office.
She is survived by her two daughters.
California Triumphs at Taste-Off
It was a clean sweep for California at the Seasonal Wine Taste-Off on October 13.
At this biannual event, 86 Members sampled nine reds and nine whites before voting for their favorite two from each lineup.
Indigo Eyes' 2018 Chardonnay and Crimson Ranch's 2016 Red Blend were selected as the Club's seasonal wines for November to January.
Napa Valley's Crimson Ranch also won fans for its 2018 Chardonnay, which will be featured as a seasonal wine for February to April next year, along with McManis' 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon.
All the wines will be available in Club dining outlets.
