RISMEDIA, March 30, 2011—Responding to the recent loss of life and property destruction in Japan, the United States’ largest professional association of real estate appraisers recently announced it has made a charitable contribution to the American Red Cross’ relief efforts.
The Appraisal Institute has 53 members in Japan, while the organization includes more than 24,000 members in nearly 60 countries around the world.
“As the Japanese people continue to display uncommon strength and courage in recovering from this tragedy, the Appraisal Institute wanted in some small way to assist its members and others in Japan,” states Appraisal Institute President Joseph C. Magdziarz, MAI, SRA. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who are enduring the aftermath of this calamity.”
Japan was hit by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake on March 11 that caused a tsunami, resulting in more than 10,000 confirmed deaths so far with nearly 18,000 more still missing and nearly half a million left homeless. With an expected $309 billion in property damage, the disaster is the costliest in Japan’s history.
The American Red Cross, founded in 1881, is the United States’ premier emergency response organization. Each year victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to the more than half a million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs.
For more information visit www.appraisalinstitute.org.
