Remembering Japan

A sunset vigil for Japan, tonight at Golden Gardens in Ballard.  More information on the Artists For Japan blog: http://artistsforjapan.blogspot.com/

A few pictures from the vigil:

The wonderful people at Kokon Taiko led the procession and ceremony.


The procession with drum beats.


A moment of silence. Sorry for the blurriness, it was my only shot.


Hello to friends:
Junko Yamamoto, one of the organizers, giving a hug to a friend.


One last prayer whispered to the sea.

Raffle Winner Bellen!

This is Bellen Drake's family portrait, she was one of 2 winners from my Japan charity raffle.  I had a lot of fun doing this.  I would like to thank everyone who participated and helped promote the raffle.  I was amazed we raised so much money!  I hope you like your family portrait Bellen :)

I got quite a few emails about how I did the raffle.  I actually got in some trouble with Paypal for doing it.  I would not recommend doing what I did... It's sad there's really no alternative.  If you're raising funds through Paypal, they require you to be a certified non-profit or you formally represent the organization you're raising funds for.  I was neither, I just wanted to do something and I couldn't think of any other way.  They also strictly prohibit raffles and lotteries... but hey I'm a monkey wrench.  I thought they would let me slide for charity sake, but I was wrong.

Paypal contacted me 2 days after the raffle was over and suspended my account.  They asked me to prove that I was either a non-profit (401C) or a representative of the non-profit.  The alternative was to refund all the money!  I had already wired the money to the Japan Red Cross so a refund is out of the question.  All I could do was email them my wire transfer paperwork and hope they'll accept it.  In the end they restored my account, but gave me a stern warning against doing something like this. 
*warning heard guys!*

A few other artists and friends were not so lucky.  Paypal suspended their account right in the middle of their charity fundraisers.  It was a big nightmare for them!  I'm so sorry I sent them down that path.  If only there was a way to donate directly to a charity via Paypal and have Paypal notify me that someone has donated on my behalf.  Am I making sense???  There's no way to do that now.  I think a lot of good can be done that way... it's almost like a micro-loan situation.  We're more likely to make donations through a friend's request than marathon drives and TV commercials.  Being able to raise funds as an individual gives it a personal touch, it's grassroots and I feel it can really pull a community together.  With that being said I'm not a professional fundraiser and I don't do this a lot. 

Paypal is a wonderful way to do business online.  The only other option is Google Checkout, but they're still relatively new.  I know their policy is just to protect the consumer against scammers and frauds. I think the market is big enough we need a few more alternatives to Paypal.  

If I ever do this again I'll probably sell E-cards (along with the chance to win a set of crayons :P).  It'll have to be a "sales" type exchange instead of "gift".  That just means Paypal takes 3%, but in the scheme of things 3% isn't bad.



Now back to Bellen's crayons!  This is Bellen, she's a photographer in Seattle.  She requested that I carve her with a camera.  I modeled her camera after the Canon 1D & 5D series. 


Charles the father.  I tried to capture his wonderful mustache/goatee thing.  I also really like his shirt.


Eben the son.  He's a soccer player!  I think I've had a lot of practice with soccer players by now :P


Delphi the daughter.  She has a cat that she loves.  This was my first time putting an animal into the mix.  It was a good challenge, I'll do doing more combos like this.

Money For Japan & Higo Benefit Sale

I wired $6590.00 to the Japanese Red Cross Society today!  This was done through Key Bank in the University District in Seattle.  The reference number is: 20110325-00006772, it was done this morning so the wire should be completed by now.  The money will be routed to the Sumimoto Mutsui Bank in NY then it goes to the Tokyo branch.  I've requested a receipt of the transfer after completion.  I think they'll email me a confirmation?  I've never done an international wire before.

I just wanted to say thank you again for everyone's contribution and the HUGE response to this raffle!   This means more than just money and provisions, we've sent them a great deal of good will and positivity too.  I really can't say enough thank you's.
Diem


If you're in Seattle I highly recommend stopping by the Aritst For Japan benefit art sale at Higo.  I will be there on Sunday around 2-3pm.  I'll try to make it on Saturday too, but I'm not sure about the time. The Murakami Family (Higo Variety Store) will match up to $10,000 of the money raised by this event.
Kobo at Higo
604 S Jackson St
Seattle WA 98104
206.381.3000

Thumbs Up To YOU!

Thank you EVERYONE who contributed to this, you guys are amazing!  Also a big thanks to everyone who helped pass the word, I can't believe how many people knew about this raffle.  I was eating Pho with my husband last night and overheard a couple talk about it in the next booth.  LOVE IT!  The raffle ended at midnight PST (about 30 minutes ago) and we have raised a total of $6590.00 for the Japan Red Cross Society!  I will go make the bank wire in the morning and I'll post a receipt for the transfer after it's done.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU


And the winners are:
#153 Sean & Candace
#88 Eben
CONGRATS guys! I wish I can do something for everyone who entered ^_^

There's always a need for crisis relief.  If you're interested in helping I highly suggest donating to the Red Cross.

For Japan: Last Call!

This is it folks, the last day of our raffle!  Ticket sales will stop tonight at midnight PST.  So far 275 people have raised $5820.00 for Japan.  Good job everyone, let's break the $6000 mark tomorrow!  I'll announce the total raised and the winners on Wednesday, March 24th.
Good luck all and good night.
Info on how to participate here: http://tinyhaus.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-japan.html

For Japan Day 6 Update

We're in Day 6 and 260 people have raised $5510.00 for Japan!  It doesn't look like we'll make it to 1000 tickets, but this is still an incredible number.  Thank you everyone for participating and passing the word.  I also want to mention that this offer is open to worldwide contributors.  I can and have shipped these crayons everywhere.  No worries on shipping costs or hassles, I'll take care of all the shipping costs :) 
The details and original post here: http://tinyhaus.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-japan.html


I'm so sorry for having missed the last few days worth of updates on the Japan raffle.  Our dog had a vet visit for oral surgery, he's old with bad teeth.  It was nerve-racking since they had to put him under for the procedure.  He's an old guy and they said he might not make it through.  But luckily he's fine now and recovering. Thank you Carkeek Park Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Rossi! 

For Japan: After Day 2

48 hours
206 people
450 tickets
$4500.00 dollars for The Japan Red Cross Society!

Thanks again for another terrific day!  Things have slowed a bit today.  I'd like to ask everyone's help in passing the word!  Feel free to post this on your Facebook, blog, tweet, even smoke signal :)  If we can get 100 tickets everyday until March 23rd we'll be able to meet our goal of 1000 tickets or $10,000.00 raised.  That would be an incredible task!

Just link to this: http://tinyhaus.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-japan.html
You can grab an image here: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5531130505_9f7349774e_b.jpg

For Japan: After Day 1

24 hours
155 people
343 tickets
$3430.00 dollars for The Japan Red Cross Society!

Thank you EVERYONE for your overwhelming response!  This was beyond anything I had hoped for.  We reached our goal of 200 tickets in under 12 hours.  Let's shoot for 1000 tickets by March 23rd.  I really do think we can hit that mark.  More information here: http://tinyhaus.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-japan.html

On another note I've maxed out my gmail sending capacity for March 16th.  Hopefully it will  reset in the morning or by the afternoon on March 17th.  For the people who bought tickets late tonight you'll get your confirmation email in the morning.  I have received your payment, you can always check in the link above for your name and number. THANK YOU for your patience.  Now for some sleep.
Thank you again,
Diem

For Japan

I've been sitting here for an hour thinking about what to write and how to write it... for the past few days I've been glued to the news about Japan's earthquake and tsunami disaster.  It is so shocking to see such devastation and chaos.  I am in awe at how the Japanese people have persevered through these difficult days.  People stood in line, paid for items, kept their cool, helped their friends and neighbors.  Every single person kept their civility.  Such strength is inspiring.  My heart goes out to everyone there and I hope that perseverance will get them through the difficult days/months ahead.



I'd like to make a humble offering and raffle off a crayon family portrait for the Japanese Red Cross Society.  The winner will get up to 3 crayons carved to their specifications.  Ticket sales start now and will go until midnight PST on March 23rd.  The winner will be announced on March 24th.  I will use Random.org to pick the winner.  I'm hoping for at least 200 tickets, but I won't limit the number to 200.  The more tickets I sell the more we can raise for Japan!
*** THANK YOU EVERYONE!  THE RAFFLE HAS ENDED, I WILL POST WHO THE WINNERS ARE SHORTLY.  WE'VE RAISED A TOTAL OF $6590.00 FOR JAPAN!***

Ticket Price: $10

Prize: A family portrait of carved crayons (up to 3 crayons) *Update* There will be 2 winners selected of 2 different recipient.

Selection Process: when you pay for the ticket I'll email you with a number.  A random winner will be picked via Random.org.  I will post the results of the drawing on March 24th.

Donation Proceeds: 100% of all ticket sales will go the the Japanese Red Cross Society.  I will pay for all fees and shipping costs.

If you're interested in participating in the raffle please Paypal $10.00 to (email removed, the raffle has ended)
Please make your payment as "GIFT" and make a note "FOR JAPAN".  PLEASE DO NOT write anywhere on your payment the words "RAFFLE" or "LOTTERY".  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  I'm sorry I can't take any other forms of payments.  Paypal is the easiest and fastest way, it's also the best way to keep records.

THANK YOU!
Diem Chau
*Update* HOLY COW!!! We broke 200 in half a day!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!  This is so unexpected, I don't know what to say.  The emails keep coming and I'm in tears writing this.  Let's shoot for 1000!  Since so many people have signed up I'd like to offer a second family portrait, so there will be 2 winners total!

1. Chantal J.
2. Cindy R.
3. Cindy R.
4. Brian D.
5. Brian D.
6. Victoria J.
7. Victoria J.
8. Andy I.
9. Antje H.
10. The World's Best Ever
11. Soni K.
12. Donnabelle C.
13. Donnabelle C.
14. Heather H.
15. Lotta A.
16. Kenita G.
17. Robin
18. Robin
19. Sherri aka Alvin
20. Noel
21. Wyly A.
22. Wyly A.
23. Wyly A.
24. Donald B.
25. En Faust
26. Erin S.
27. Jonna W.
28. Pomme-Pomme
29. Geoff C.
30. Geoff C.
31. Geoff C.
32. Dennis R.
33. Dennis R.
34. Jeff E.
35. Jeff E.
36. Jeff E.
37. Ellen Z.
38. Ellen Z.
39. Ellen Z.
40. Ellen Z.
41. Ellen Z.
42. Ray / Ballerz
43. Dina N.
44. J. L.
45. J. L.
46. J. L.
47. J. L.
48. J. L.
49. J. L.
50. J. L.
51. J. L.
52. J. L.
53. J. L.
54. Betsy B.
55. Betsy B.
56. Betsy B.
57. Betsy B.
58. Susan M.
59. Susan M.
60. Susan M.
61. Elizabeth T.
62. Erin L.
63. Julie C.
64. Julie C.
65. Nathan V. N.
66. Eurie C.
67. Eurie C.
68. Eurie C.
69. Eurie C.
70. Eurie C.
71. Courtney H.
72. Jeremy A.
73. Alan G.
74. Mario F.
75. Natalie R.
76. Gail H.
77. Gail H.
78. Gail H.
79. Gail H.
80. Gail H.
81. Alexander L.
82. Juan A.
83. Juan A.
84. Steven T.
85. Laurel A.
86. Zena C.
87. Sara L.
88. Eben D-M
89. Elizabeth B.
90. Jeannie L.
91. Jeannie L.
92. Joey V.
93. Lisa L.
94. Andre Z.
95. Steel Toe Studios
96. C. L.
97. C. L.
98. Ellen F.
99. Beth M.
100. Lotta A.
101. Julie A.
102. Julie A.
103. Julie A.
104. Julie A.
105. Holly M.
106. Holly M.
107. Holly M.
108. Holly M.
109. Holly M.
110. Jenny Z. & Dan D.
111. Jenny Z. & Dan D.
112. Jenny Z. & Dan D.
113. Jenny Z. & Dan D.
114. Jenny Z. & Dan D.
115. Jenny Z. & Dan D.
116. Jenny Z. & Dan D.
117. Jenny Z. & Dan D.
118. Jenny Z. & Dan D.
119. Jenny Z. & Dan D.
120. Lirong L.
121. Emma D.
122. Monica I.
123. Kim N.
124. Alex G.
125. Stephanie M.
126. Stephanie M.
127. Kasey G.
128. Ronald B.
129. Eric G.
130. Brian B.
131. Brian B.
132. Brian B.
133. Heather K.
134. Heather K.
135. Heather K.
136. Heather K.
137. Heather K.
138. Heather K.
139. Heather K.
140. Heather K.
141. Heather K.
142. Heather K.
143. Richard L.
144. John Y.
145. John Y.
146. John Y.
147. Kaila B.
148. Jonathan T.
149. Hilary A.
150. Leslie G.
151. Sean & Candace G.
152. Sean & Candace G.
153. Sean & Candace G.
154. Sean & Candace G.
155. Shane C.
156. Shane C.
157. Shane C.
158. Amy H.
159. P.A.S.B.
160. P.A.S.B.
161. P.A.S.B.
162. Monica C.
163. Monica C.
164. Monica C.
165. Andrew B.
166. Jason/Southernwayfarer
167. Jason/Southernwayfarer
168. Jason/Southernwayfarer
169. Jason/Southernwayfarer
170. Jason/Southernwayfarer
171. Jason/Southernwayfarer
172. Jason/Southernwayfarer
173. Jason/Southernwayfarer
174. Jason/Southernwayfarer
175. Jason/Southernwayfarer
176. Sally B.
177. Laurie B.
178. Natasha C.
179. Kathryn P.
180. Kathryn P.
181. Amanda P.
182. Amanda P.
183. Amanda P.
184. Ashley C.
185. Erika C.
186. Laura S.
187. Erica V.
188. Erica V.
189. Erica V.
190. Kamala K.
191. Tom P.
192. Aron P.
193. Aron P.
194. Aron P.
195. Aron P.
196. Aron P.
197. Aron P.
198. Aron P.
199. Aron P.
200. Aron P.
201. Aron P.
202. Melissa M.
203. Sierra N.
204. Raedy P.
205. Raedy P.
206. Raedy P.
207. Raedy P.
208. Raedy P.
209. Cris M.
210. Cris M.
211. Cris M.
212. Selene C.
213. Ellen W.
214. Melanie P.
215. Winnie K.
216. Winnie K.
217. Winnie K.
218. Aubrey D.
219. Robert S.
220. Robert S.
221. Robert S.
222. Courtney S.
223. Kasey W.
224. Kasey W.
225. Kasey W.
226. Kim B.
227. Kim B.
228. Kim B.
229. Andrew H.
230. Leslie A. B.
231. Chelsea H.
232. James B.
233. James B.
234. Liz B.
235. Liz B.
236. Liz B.
237. Liz B.
238. Leslie A. B.
239. Wendy S.
240. Wendy S.
241. Wendy S.
242. Wendy S.
243. Derrick L.
244. Alison L.
245. Alison L.
246. Trisha G.
247. Sue Ann H.
248. Sue Ann H.
249. Sue Ann H.
250. Sue Ann H.
251. Sue Ann H.
252. Pyng L.
253. Pyng L.
254. Pyng L.
255. Pyng L.
256. Pyng L.
257. Pyng L.
258. Pyng L.
259. Pyng L.
260. Pyng L.
261. Pyng L.
262. Paul M.
263. Paul M.
264. Steven S.
265. Steven S.
266. Angel O.
267. Angel O.
268. Angel O.
269. Susannah B.
270. Susannah B.
271. Joseph P.
272. Deborah & Shannon H.
273. Deborah & Shannon H.
274. James M.
275. James M.
276. James M.
277. Anonymous
278. Anonymous
279. Anonymous
280. Anonymous
281. Anonymous
282. Anonymous
283. Anonymous
284. Anonymous
285. Anonymous
286. Anonymous
287. Linda M.
288. Linda M.
289. Linda M.
290. Linda M.
291. Linda M.
292. Nola A.
293. Nola A.
294. Nola A.
295. Joseph C.
296. Susan S.
297. Susan S.
298. Susan S.
299. Elise M.
300. Lindsey H.
301. Yvonne P.
302. Victoria H.
303. Victoria H.
304. Ken K.
305. Ken K.
306. Ken K.
307. Ken K.
308. Ken K.
309. Angelia P.
310. Crossen C.
311. Meredith A.
312. Meredith A.
313. Meredith A.
314. Meredith A.
315. Meredith A.
316. Lisa K.
317. Amber F.
318. Alison M.
319. Alison M.
320. Theresa S.
321. Tim M.
322. Tim M.
323. Jaime H.
324. Jaime H.
325. Danielle G. & Family
326. Danielle G. & Family
327. Clare F.
328. Saya M.
329. Saya M.
330. Claudia B.
331. Claudia B.
332. Claudia B.
333. Claudia B.
334. Claudia E.
335. Laura T.
336. Kim T.
337. Bulut D.
338. Kelly L.
339. Demi R.
340. Demi R.
341. Demi R.
342. Demi R.
343. David R.
344. Maury S.
345. Maury S.
346. Maury S.
347. Maury S.
348. Maury S.
349. Hanna M.
350. Hanna M.
351. Jon S.
352. Kittytoes
353. Lauria T.
354. Bryana V.
355. Elaine B.
356. Elaine B.
357. Elaine B.
358. Elaine B.
359. Elaine B.
360. Michael P.
361. Megan A.
362. Kim T.
363. Betsy W.
364. Betsy W.
365. Frank N.
366. Jamie M.
367. Lisa G.
368. Lisa G.
369. Valerie V.
370. Valerie V.
371. Heather L.
372. Heather L.
373. Heather L.
374. Sue B.
375. Sue B.
376. Sue B.
377. Sue B.
378. Leanne D.
379. Elizabeth M.
380. House of Pinku
381. Nancy S.
382. Nancy S.
383. Nancy S.
384. Daniela S.
385. Kaila W.
386. Kaila W.
387. Apama M.
388. Troy K.
389. Troy K.
390. Troy K.
391. Troy K.
392. Romy Z.
393. Jennifer A.
394. Ruth C-H
395. Ruth C-H
396. Ruth C-H
397. Thien-Kieu L.
398. Thien-Kieu L.
399. Thien-Kieu L.
400. Maya V.
401. James R./Lauren D.
402. James R./Lauren D.
403. James R./Lauren D.
404. Matthew B.
405. Kathleen F.
406. Karen L.
407. Lien T.
408. Samantha T.
409. Samantha T.
410. Samantha T.
411. Samantha T.
412. Samantha T.
413. Lisa H.
414. Lisa H.
415. Lisa H.
416. Lisa H.
417. J. L.
418. J. L.
419. J. L.
420. J. L.
421. J. L.
422. Mira & Karl S.
423. Mira & Karl S.
424. Mira & Karl S.
425. Mira & Karl S.
426. Mira & Karl S.
427. Yuka P.
428. Yuka P.
429. Yuka P.
430. Jessica B.
431. Elizabeth D.
432. Lorraine R.
433. Lorraine R.
434. Jessica G.
435. Jessica G.
436. Dean G.
437. Dean G.
438. Frank V.
439. Frank V.
440. Frank V.
441. Frank V.
442. Frank V.
443. Frank V.
444. Jacie L. A.
445. Cameron H.
446. Cameron H.
447. Elaine M.
448. Elaine M.
449. Thorly J.
450. Marco L.
451. Barbara R.
452. Barbara R.
453. The Paredes!
454. The Paredes!
455. Jennifer M.
456. Jennifer M.
457. Genevieve T.
458. Genevieve T.
459. Genevieve T.
460. Andrew/Linda R.
461. Ashley M.
462. Liz T.
463. Jeff M.
464. Ada C.
465. Jennifer F.
466. David T. B.
467. David T. B.
468. Sean S.
469. Allison K.
470. Carol J.
471. Alicia K.
472. Kirk A.
473. Kirk A.
474. Kirk A.
475. Emily F.
476. Ian P-E.
477. Ian P-E.
478. Ian P-E.
479. Donna D.
480. Byron R.
481. Byron R.
482. Byron R.
483. Byron R.
484. Byron R.
485. Ron L.
486. Ron L.
487. Ron L.
488. Lucy R.
489. Colin G.
490. Kylie S.
491. Amelia H.
492. Matthew G.
493. Maggie R.
494. Maggie R.
495. Amy F-H.
496. Stephanie S.
497. Stephanie S.
498. Stephanie S.
499. Stephanie S.
500. Stephanie S.
501. Stephanie S.
502. Stephanie S.
503. Stephanie S.
504. Stephanie S.
505. Stephanie S.
506. Alexandra K.
507. Julie R.
508. Sonja R.
509. Victoria D.
510. Victoria D.
511. Cherry D.
512. Cherry D.
513. Cherry D.
514. Cherry D.
515. Cherry D.
516. Christina W.
517. Mimi B.
518. Mimi B.
519. Leah & Jackie
520. Leah & Jackie
521. Carrie N.
522. Carrie N.
523. Stefanie H.
524. John S.
525. John S.
526. John S.
527. John S.
528. John S.
529. John S.
530. John S.
531. John S.
532. John S.
533. John S.
534. Lark & Dan P.
535. Lark & Dan P.
536. Thomas K.
537. Brandon H.
538. Laura L.
539. Laura L.
540. Al M.
541. Al M.
542. Andrew G.
543. Viet N.
544. Lashante G.
545. Vane B.
546. Vane B.
547. Isabelle P.
548. Lisa/Villa Treasures
549. Thea S.
550. Kathleen H.
551. Anna P.
552. Heather A.
553. Heather A.
554. Heather A.
555. Jill D.
556. Helena H.
557. Terra S.
558. Terra S.
559. Terra S.
560. Elizabeth B.
561. Elizabeth B.
562. Nathan V.
563. Cheri & Peter K.
564. Cheri & Peter K.
565. Cheri & Peter K.
566. Diane W.
567. Nancy W.
568. Nancy W.
569. Nancy W.
570. Nancy W.
571. Nancy W.
572. Anne C.
573. Diane M.
574. Diane M.
575. Diane M.
576. Kirsty T.
577. Craig S. & Shari D.
578. Craig S. & Shari D.
579. Yoko N.
580. Yoko N.
581. Dyan A.
582. Dyan A.
583. Ahky's Auctions
584. Ahky's Auctions
585. Emily B.
586. Emily B.
587. Emily B.
588. Hanako N. & Prairie S.W.
589. Hanako N. & Prairie S.W.
590. Hanako N. & Prairie S.W.
591. Hanako N. & Prairie S.W.
592. Hanako N. & Prairie S.W.
593. Carmen S.
594. Carmen S.
595. Molly S.
596. Monica T.
597. Monica T.
598. Monica T.
599. Russell B.
600. Russell B.
601. Amy H.
602. Amy H.
603. Laura M.
604. Laura M.
605. Laura M.
606. Laura M.
607. Laura M.
608. Laura M.
609. Laura M.
610. Laura M.
611. Laura M.
612. Laura M.
613. Pei P. S.
614. Roz
615. Roz
616. Marianna D. N.
617. Gail G.
618. Gail G.
619. Gail G.
620. Gail G.
621. Gail G.
622. Gail G.
623. Gail G.
624. Gail G.
625. Gail G.
626. Gail G.
627. Michael N./Jenise S.
628. Kelly S.
629. Kelly S.
630. Kelly S.
631. Kelly S.
632. Caren B.
633. Caren B.
634. Caren B.
635. Diana M. J.
636. Diana M. J.
637. Kim M.
638. Jennifer F.
639. Alicia J.
640. Alicia J.
641. Alicia J.
642. Alicia J.
643. Alicia J.
644. Tiffany B.
645. Tess A.
646. Tess A.
647. KC P.
648. KC P.
649. KC P.
650. Mattie I.
651. Mattie I.
652. Mattie I.
653. Mattie I.
654. Mattie I.
655. Mattie I.
656. Mattie I.
657. Mattie I.
658. Mattie I.
659. Mattie I.