Online Auction of Unique Sports Memorabilia, Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences Launches to Benefit Japanese Disaster Relief Efforts

New YORK ,New Jersey, Connecticut -- Free-Press-Release.com-- Jul 11, 2011 -- June 9, 2011 – Today the Japanese American Association of New York (JAANY) launched an online auction at charitybuzz featuring one-of-a-kind signed sports memorabilia from a variety of athletes, including MLB up-and-comer Bryce Howard and NFL great Marshall Faulk, as well as unique experiences and an amazing trip to Japan that includes airfare and luxe hotel accommodations. The online auction is part of Stamford on the Sound, a joint effort led by JAANY and ESPN Sports commentator Bobby Valentine to provide critical assistance to Japan in its time of great need.

Bobby Valentine’s interest in helping the victims of the disaster is both professional and personal, having lived and managed the Chiba Motte Marines in Japan for almost seven years. “Japan continues to have a critical need for assistance with its relief and recovery efforts,” explains Valentine. “Everyone involved in this effort is committed to making sure that the money raised directly assists the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.”

An example of the one-of-a-kind experiences and packages available to bidders include:

• Spending time on-field with Bobby Valentine during the 2011 MLB Home Run Derby in Phoenix. Sports Illustrated voted Bobby Valentine one of the best athletes of the 20th century from Connecticut. After being selected in the first round by the L.A. Dodgers, Bobby went on to have successful stints with the Angels, Padres, Mets and Mariners. The winning bidder will see the best sluggers from the National League and American League square off in a long-ball hitting duel!

• An incredible package of signed memorabilia from the Seattle Mariners’ Ichiro Suzuki , a fan favorite and the first MLB player to enter the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame (The Golden Players Club). Ichiro has had ten consecutive 200-hit seasons, the longest streak by any player. Included in this outstanding package are:
o An Ichiro Suzuki signed jersey
o An Ichiro Suzuki signed baseball
o An Ichiro Suzuki signed baseball bat
o Two Ichiro Suzuki signed posters

100% of the funds raised will aid Japanese disaster relief efforts.

More information about the auction is available at charitybuzz.com/auctions/jaany.
More information about JAANY is available at relief.jaany.org.

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Japanese American Association of New York
Katie Wormser
202-669-0802
http://relief.jaany.org