Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel announces that a special fund has been set up to accept donations toward relief efforts in Evansville’s Japanese Sister City, Tochigi City, in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Donations to the “Tochigi City Relief Fund” can be accepted at any Old National Bank location.

The extent of damage in Tochigi City is still being assessed. Any funds collected above and beyond what is needed for recovery efforts in Tochigi City will be donated to a national relief organization, such as the Japanese Red Cross Society, as may be deemed appropriate by Tochigi City officials.

The City of Evansville has had an official Sister City relationship with Tochigi City since July 19, 1999. Tochigi was chosen to be Evansville’s Japanese Sister City because of similarities between the two communities such as population, active industrial base, location on a river, climate, and reputation as a great place to raise a family. Through numerous visits over the past 12 years, the bonds between our communities have grown strong. Business relationships have expanded. Educational and cultural exchanges have flourished. Acquaintances have turned into friendships.

Read more here.

Source: http://www.evansvillegov.org/Index.aspx?page=9&recordid=904&returnURL=%2findex.aspx