Matsuzaka Donates $1 Million To Japan Relief
BOSTON (CBS) - Red Sox pitcher and Japan native Daisuke Matsuzaka has donated $1 million to the Red Sox Foundation to help victims of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan on March 11.
100-percent of the funds donated will be provided to the Japanese Red Cross Society to aid ongoing relief efforts.
"Our efforts on the field are dedicated to all who are suffering from this catastrophe. We are in this together, so we must overcome tragedy together." Matsuzaka said in a videotaped message released by the team earlier this month.
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Red Sox pitchers Hideki Okajima, Junichi Tazawa and Itsuki Shoda have also made personal donations to the team charity with all funds dedicated to the ongoing Japanese disaster relief efforts.
To date, the Red Sox Foundation has raised more than $1.3 million from fans, team partners and sponsors, and Red Sox players and staff, including Matsuzaka's gift and a $50,000 donation from the Red Sox Foundation.
Fans can continue to help the victims of the disaster in Japan by making a donation to the Red Sox Foundation. To make a tax deductible donation via credit card online, log on to www.redsoxfoundation.org or by mail via check/money order. Checks should be made out to "Red Sox Foundation/Japan Relief" and sent to Red Sox Foundation, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02215.
