Christmas arrived early for AJS! Lawrence S. Okinaga, AJS Chairman, made a special announcement at the AJS Annual Meeting and Program on December 8, 2022 at the Pacific Club. The Okinaga Ohana Fund, which includes himself, his wife Carolyn, and his daughters Carrie, Caryn, and Laurie, is pledging $100,000 to AJS. AJS will receive $25k this year, with the remainder of the donation to be provided to AJS over the subsequent three years.
AJS remains near and dear to Chairman Okinaga, as he was instrumental in keeping AJS alive when the organization ceased national operations and Hawaii became its new home base in 2014. As AJS relies on contributions from its members, he hopes his act of giving will spur others to also support AJS financially.
The donation from the Okinaga Ohana Fund has no stipulations attached so the funds can be used for AJS operations and whatever else may be needed. As AJS continues to look for ways to supplement membership dues income, this donation will allow AJS to strengthen its programming and other infrastructure services.
Chairman Okinaga said, “We continue to appreciate the diverse work and contributions of all the members of AJS, whose strong commitment and assistance are necessary to AJS’s success. Financing AJS and its future plans and goals are critical to its success.”
AJS extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Okinaga Ohana Fund for its generosity and support to ensure AJS continues to thrive.