Lou Reed Helping NY's Japan Society Raise Disaster Relief Funds
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - In the four days since establishing its earthquake relief fund, the Japan Society has raised more than $700,000.
WCBS 880's Peter Haskell on the fundraising efforts
Podcast
Based on the East Side near the United Nations, it's an American organization designed to promote better understanding between the United States and Japan. In the lobby, there is a stone waterfall and at the front desk, there is a donation jar for the earthquake relief fund.
PHOTO GALLERY: Deadly Tsunami Hits Japan After 8.9 Quake
Thousands are dead and the Asian nation is on edge over a possible nuclear meltdown following an 8.9 magnitude earthquake and the resulting tsunami.
It's vice president, Joe Earl, says they're still determining where the money will go.
"We know a lot of NGOs and NPOs and the organizations have really worked closely on the ground," says Earl. "They're efficient. They're effective. And they're close to the people in need."
One thing is certain. There will be no overhead.
"100 percent of all the money that's received by Japan Society will go to the organizations in Japan," says Earl.
LINK: The Japan Society
Lou Reed will headline a benefit concert on April 9. It will be a 12-hour extravaganza starting at 11 a.m. For details on how to attend, CLICK HERE.