Kukuru Sumiti - OAA Silent Auction

Mensore to our First-ever Online Silent Auction!

Every year OAA hosts the Annual Okinawan Bazaar & Fundraiser. However, this year due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, according to local and state guidelines, we are not able to safely hold our annual fundraiser bazaar to raise the funds that goes towards our annual events (presentations, lectures, performances, senior-focused activities, youth activities, language class, and more), as well as the much needed repairs and maintenance for our cultural center in Gardena. We are asking for your support so we can continue our mission.

Under the current circumstances, we had to think outside of the box and decided to host a series of activities as part of the "Kukuru Sumiti - socially distanced but hearts connected" fundraising campaign. The centerpiece is this online Silent Auction.

Online bidding will begin Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 2pm and close on Sunday November 29, 2020 at 2:00pm.

The Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote Okinawan culture and to contribute to local and international cultural exchanges. It was formed by Okinawan immigrants 115 years ago and has since grown into a multigenerational organization that provides cultural, educational, and social programs for its members and the larger community. Although the OAA has changed its name, structure and mission to reflect the changing times, the basic goals of yuimaaru/yiimaaru (mutual aid) and retention of Okinawan identity have remained the same.

In 2023, the OAA was the recipient of a California Nonprofit of the Year Award (nominated by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, 66th District)!