Jib For Japan Brings 60 Brands Together To Raise Money For Disaster

Sunday, April 3 hundreds of shreds converged on Bear Mountain for the Jib for Japan, which raised over $10,000 for the Red Cross to help in the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster relief effort.

Over 60 brands joined the event as sponsors, donating tons of gear and prizes for a jib contest and the largest raffle that Bear Mountain has ever seen.

The event was put together by Ray Takahashi of Flux Bindings and Tsuyoshi Komiyama after the disaster struck their native country, and riders from the local community and beyond, including pros like Chris Bradshaw and the ThirtyTwo crew, as well as a huge Japanese contingent, including Kazu Kokubo, came to show their support.

Over 300 Jib for Japan hats from Modus and 100 t-shirts screened by Sunday Print Co. were donated and sold for a $20 donation. All the t-shirts were sold out by the end of the day and were put to further use.

In addition to the jib contest, snowboarders and skiers who were wearing “Jib for Japan” shirts or hats on Chair 5 were tallied for each lap they did for an hour for an event called Laps for Japan.  For every lap riders took on Chair 5, Flux, Flow, 686, and Wrong Gear each donated a dollar to the effort.

Entry fees were $20 for pass holders and $50 for non, with 100% of the proceeds and ticket fees going to the Red Cross, and everyone, including judges like shred legend Jimi Scott, donated their time.

“It was packed,” says Flux Marketing Director Ray Takahashi, who organized the event. “It was great to see everyone working for a common cause and the same goal.”

Story By Transworld Business

Help Japan

By Nate Deschenes

When I think of Japan I think of deep powder and laughter and I think of some of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. I think of Tadashi Fuse, and how in two short weeks he became my favorite snowboarder -- not for his talent, not for his originality, not for his style, but for his idea of what snowboarding is and his attitude towards it. Rarely have I seen the kind of passion that "Tadash" embodies. This is a clip I filmed that I feel says everything about Tadashi and "Japanese style."

Having just completed a trip to Japan for "YES. It's a Movie" for which Tadashi played tour guide, the entire YES.NOW.BOARD crew is reeling from the effects this natural disaster has had on a place they -- along with so many other snowboarders -- have grown to love so much over the years.

"I feel very sorry for the Japanese people that have been directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy," says DCP. "Two weeks ago we were riding the train from Sendai to Sapporo hanging with our friend from these areas and touring such a beautiful country. The powder was great during or trip, but to think about it now, is hard. My prayers go to everyone over there, our friends and their families.''

With the tragic events of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami still unfolding with each passing day it is important for us take stock of what we have and appreciate each ollie and slash for what they are worth.

Below is a list of organizations that are leading relief efforts in Japan. You can help support their efforts with a simple text. Let's not to forget our Japanese friends in their time of need.

The Red Cross has already launched efforts in Japan. This may the most simple and accessible way to help. Visit Redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone.

The International Medical Corps is responding to the health needs of the disaster's victims. To donate or learn about other ways you can contribute to its medical response, visitInternationalmedicalcorps.org. Also, text MED to 80888 from any mobile phone to give $10.

The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund was launched at GlobalGiving.org to garner funds that will be given to a variety of relief organizations helping victims of the earthquake.

Salvation Army personnel are reaching the most severely hit regions near Sendai with their humanitarian efforts. To contribute to earthquake relief, text 'JAPAN' or 'QUAKE' to 80888 to make a $10 donation or visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.