The annual Japanese Festival held by the Glendale Community College (GCC) Japanese Club always attracts a big crowd of students and community members. This past year was no exception, with one significant difference. An attendee at the event was so impressed with the wide variety of displays and activities that he decided to make a donation to fund the Japanese Club and the Japanese Festival. The generous gift will cover activities, music, displays, food, workshops, and related logistics that will immerse students and community members in Japanese culture and traditions.
Reflecting on the fund’s purpose, the benefactor, Mr. Doughton, stated, “Providing the necessary funds for the Japan Festival will attract more students to language classes and immerse them in Japan’s beautiful traditions. I hope that this celebration will serve as a gateway for students to explore and appreciate the language and culture...” He added, “I am committed to giving students, both at the college and in the community, the opportunity to share Japan’s values and traditions through various activities and workshops. By supporting the Japanese Club and the Japan Festival, we can enrich our students’ educational experience and encourage a lasting connection to Japanese culture.”
Tomomi Hayashi, Japanese Club advisor, stated, “We are deeply grateful for this generous donation to the Japanese Club and Japanese Festival. This support will help us create meaningful opportunities for students and community members to learn about and experience Japanese culture. The donor’s generosity will have a lasting impact on our program, and we sincerely appreciate their commitment to cultural education and community engagement.”
The purpose of the new GCC Japanese Club Fund is to provide flexible, ongoing support for the co-curricular programming, cultural events, and operational activities of the GCC Japanese Club. Monies distributed from this fund shall be utilized for the annual Japanese Festival, including snacks, refreshments, decorations, performers, and guest stipends. Additionally, funds may be used for club recruitment drives, student participation in a wide range of club initiatives—such as culture, cosplay, anime, and local community events—and to provide stipends or emergency funds for club members facing unexpected hardships to ensure their continued enrollment and academic success.