SAN FRANCISCO — Kimochi Inc. will hold its Spirit Awards fundraiser at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas in San Francisco’s Japantown, 1881 Post St., on Saturday, May 12, from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta will be honored with a special Nihonmachi Spirit Award for his lifelong contributions to community and country, particularly his work to safeguard the rights of all Americans.
Additionally, Rep. Mike Honda of the 15th Congressional District, Kimochi Program Director Anna Sawamura Higaki, and lifelong community volunteer Bo Yoshimura (posthumously) will be honored with the Kimochi Spirit Award for their commitment to public service and community giving.
California Pacific Medical Center will be honored as corporate sponsor.
The event will co-emceed by actor-comedian Amy Hill and author-director-actor Judi Nihei.
Entertainment will be provided by ukulele virtuoso Ka’ala “Dee” Carmack, the Kimochi Kai singers, and Nihonmachi Little Friends. The event will include a video presentation by Rick Quan Productions and a raffle drawing in which the grand prize is two round-trip tickets to Japan, courtesy of Japan Airlines.
Admission is free, but reservations are recommended as seating is limited. For more information or to reserve seating, contact Wes Nihei wnihei@kimochi-inc.org or call (415) 931-2294.
Established in 1971, Kimochi Inc. provides programs and services to the seniors of Japantown, Western Addition, San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. Kimochi’s citywide programs and services include transportation; referral and outreach services; health and consumer education seminars; healthy aging and senior center activities; social services; congregate and home delivered meals; in-home support services; adult social day care; 24-hour residential and respite care.
Kimochi maintains an active volunteer program consisting of approximately 200 volunteers who assist staff at four different program sites in San Francisco’s Japantown. In addition, Kimochi is extending its services into San Mateo to expand and supplement the senior services available to the area.