On August 30, the Tyler Foundation held a free hoop-making workshop. Participants made hoops that will be donated to the kids in Tohoku through the Tyler Foundation’s Shine On! Smile Ambassador Program.

The Tyler Foundation has started a new support project by means of music called “Shine On! Songs.” This project is a collaboration with approved domestic and foreign top artists who empathize with the Tyler Foundation. The Foundation supports Japanese children with childhood cancer and their families through various programs. All of the proceeds will be used to support the Tyler Foundation’s activities, beginning with providing aid to the children from the area affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake.

The Tyler Foundation’s Shine On! Songs project was featured by the Newspaper, Tokai Shinpo, on August 24th, 2011.

School kids in Tohoku got a summer break so in August, we visited daycare centers, kindergartens and special events.
The Smile Ambassador performed twice during the Ofunato Tanabata Festival.

The tent is pitched in front of a former elementary school near the mountain town of Sumita in South Central Iwate Prefecture

Revisiting is a vital part of the Smile Ambassador Program. There’s no nicer music then the chorus of excited young voices yelling “Guy-san!” when I show up for a return visit. First visits build trust and establish bonds with the kids, teachers and support staff. Subsequent “Follow Up!” visits are invigorating and they reiterate that people outside care. This nurtures hope which is an integral part of the healing and rebuilding processes. Frankly speaking, if we don’t return we potentially create a situation that can echo the feelings of loss that we are trying to abate.

On July 16th, 2011 the Tokai Shinpo featured the Tyler Foundation’s Shine On! Smile Ambassador Program in an article.

On July 15th, 2011 the Iwate Nippo featured the Tyler Foundation’s Shine On! Smile Ambassador Program in an article.

On May 16th, 2011 the Tyler Foundation’s “Smile Ambassador”, Gaetano Guy Totaro, together with David “Zat Amazing Guy” Claypatch, visited an elementary school located in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture.

Partnerships are vital to the successful outreach in the disaster effected areas. The Tyler Foundation’s “Smile Ambassador” has collaborated with NPOs and individuals who are based in the Tohoku region. Our goal of spreading smiles and relieving stress associated with the disaster is the same and the working relationship is simple; they get access and get permission for visits to shelters, schools and events and we provide the programs.