As one of Creative Hope’s initial projects, {HEART JAPAN} was born when four creatives decided to use their gifts and talents to respond to the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan. Our hearts were broken when we saw the news, but we weren’t sure how to respond at first. The amount of need seemed overwhelming. If there’s one thing that stuck with me though was this message from a northpoint sermon: With all the issues in the world and even locally, it can get overwhelming with all the things you can’t do anything about. But you can do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.
The first effort was through a friend, Jocelyn, and the Fu who organized a benefit together outside of Caribou Coffee. We were surprised with people’s love and generosity of those who showed up and even those who were passing through. Afterward, we decided to pull together local talent and local businesses in Atlanta to throw a second benefit and charity auction in order to raise money for Japan. Throughout the process, creatives from other cities on the west coast contacted us to get involved and organized fundraisers and benefits as well. Our goal was to raise $5000, which we exceeded by raising $9825, but our primary goal was to empower people to use their passions, talents, and gifts to give others hope. In response to the disaster in Japan, {HEART JAPAN} became a community effort, where artists and businesses from Atlanta, San Francisco, and Los Angeles came together to make a difference.
