BURNABY, BC – Nikkei Place Foundation proudly announces Kaye Kaminishi of the Asahi Baseball Team is this year’s 2019 Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Previous recipients include Dr. David Suzuki, Joy Kogawa, Arthur Hara, Gordon Kadota and Henry Wakabayashi. He will be honoured at their spring fundraiser, the Thomas Shoyama Sakura Gala, on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel by APA. This event benefits Nikkei Place Foundation in supporting future generations of Nikkei (Japanese Canadians) – to change lives and community for the better.
Premier John Horgan is pleased to be a special guest and speaker at the Thomas Shoyama Sakura Gala this year.
Kaye Kaminishi is a role model for overcoming racial and economic discrimination. The Asahi Baseball team were a symbol of the Japanese Canadian struggle for equality and respect. With their unique way of playing baseball — known as 'brain ball' — they were able to overcome differences for the love of the game. Despite the team being disbanded and interned during the Second World War, they left a legacy of inspiration for future generations of all Canadians.
“We are very proud to be able to highlight inspiring heroes from the Japanese Canadian community through our Thomas Shoyama Lifetime Achievement Award. We feel incredibly excited and honoured to celebrate Kaye Kaminishi at this year's Gala.” remarks Naomi Kawamura, Executive Director at Nikkei Place Foundation.
Nikkei Place Foundation is also excited to award this year’s 2018-19 Nikkei Youth Athletics Bursary to the Shin Asahi Baseball Team. The Asahi Baseball Association is spreading the Japanese way of baseball — inspired by the original Asahi team's skill, perseverance, accomplishments, and wishes to inspire a new generation of ball players in Nikkei community in Canada. They are dedicated to building healthy communities through baseball.
The Thomas Shoyama Sakura Gala will be emceed by Japanese Canadian actor Kevan Ohtsji, and the evening will include a silent auction with a variety of items and experiences up for bid, dinner, fund-a-need, and live entertainment.
Please check www.nikkeiplacefoundation.org for the most updated information.
For tickets and sponsorship information contact Nikkei Place Foundation: 604-777-2122 or gala@nikkeiplacefoundation.org. Tickets also available online at: https://thomas-shoyama-gala.eventbrite.com
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About Nikkei Place Foundation
Nikkei Place Foundation is the charitable fundraising organization for the Nikkei Place Japanese Canadian community in Burnaby. We are the bridge that connects philanthropy with Nikkei history, arts, culture, community, and senior care. Together with our partners, the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (NNMCC) and the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society (NSHCHS), we work to build a strong and vibrant community for all.
For media inquires, please contact:
Lindsay Fong
Marketing & Communications Manager
creative@nikkeiplacefoundation.org