Fantastic Saturday at Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival Celebration of Hope For Japanese Earthquake Relief Efforts - Here Are Some Scenes

You Tube Video of Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival

Yesterday's First Annual Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Cherry Blossom Festival was a wonderful event.  In addition to showcasing the beautiful Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossoms that were still blooming

the purpose of the Cherry Blossom Festival as described by RIRA's statement announcing the event was:

... On this occasion we have joined with our Japanese neighbors and their organization, the Japanese Association of Roosevelt Island, to support their fundraising efforts. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to Japan Society designated charities, supporting the Japanese relief effort to help those suffering from the March 11 earthquake/tsunami/nuclear energy plant disruption. Only cash, no checks or credit cards, can be accepted at this time.

RIRA has arranged to present, on behalf of the New York City Council, two Proclamations of support to Ambassador Shigeyuki Hiroki, Consul General of Japan in New York and Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America. These proclamations are generously provided by our City Councilwoman, Jessica Lappin. Additionally, a grove of cherry trees, just across and north of the subway station, will be dedicated by RIRA and RIOC, with a plaque offering our solidarity with the Japanese people. RIOC has generously supported this effort....

Below are some scenes from yesterday's Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival.

RIRA’s Social, Cultural & Educational Committee Chairperson, Lynne Shinozaki greeted the crowd at the Subway Pier and explained the purpose of the event.

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Leslie Torres and Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez presented the Celebration Of Hope dedication plaque

for a row of Cherry Trees that will be planted on Roosevelt Island to demonstrate solidarity with the Japanese people and displayed plans for the new Cherry Tree Row.

Roosevelt Island's Assembly Member Micah Kellner expressed his best wishes

and Japan's Deputy Consul General Yasuhisa Kawamura accepted a Proclamation of Support from New York City

provided by Roosevelt Island's City Council Member Jessica Lappin. Deputy Consul General Kawamura also greeted RIOC President Torres and RIRA President Matt Katz

as well as Mr. Kellner, Ms. Shinozake and a member of Roosevelt Island's Japanese community whom I don't know.

Later in the day  Deputy Consul General Kawamura spoke about current Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear recovery efforts in Japan.

A teacher from PS/IS 217 noted that the students from the school raised over $2,000 for the Japanese recovery efforts.

There were also great performances of Japanese music

and fun for kids of all ages

including our four legged friend who found a relaxing way to spend the day under the Cherry Trees.

Additional information on the Japan Society's Earthquake relief fund available at their web site.

Here are some more scenes from the First Annual Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival.