Just to keep you all up to date on Tony's Travels to Asia...
So far, Tony has visited with alums in Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing and flew to Shanghai yesterday (or today if you're on this side of the globe) and everywhere that he has met with alums, he has met with excitement and enthusiasm for the new space! All the alums were also very happy about the personal outreach of the Center so kudos to the team for suggesting the idea of meeting face-to-face with them.
In Tokyo, he met with a group of alums on Feb 22 to show a presentation highlighting the 25th anniversary events and the new space, including the Anniversary DVD. They were all impressed with the plans and look of the new space and thought it was a great opportunity for the Center. He was also able to meet with several alums on an individual basis to discuss the space and giving opportunities associated with it. To date, we have $30k in pledges but we have a few alums who will be following up with the others to see how much Team Japan can raise for the new space. The biggest hinderance to raising greater funds here is that Japanese tax laws don't allow a deduction for gifts given to foreign non-profits. Unfortunately, MIT does not have a work around so this is an obstacle to larger giving for the Japanese alums.
In Seoul, we have a very excited contingent of alums, quite a few of whom made it to the presentation on Feb 25th or met with Tony individually or in small groups for lunch or dinner. All thought the new space was needed and something that they could support. One alum, who wishes to remain anonymous for now, is donating $50K to name one of the student meeting rooms. In addition, a contingent of alums met together for dinner in the days after Tony left to figure out a plan to have Team Korea raise $150k for naming rights to the Student Lounge. So far, they have pledges/gifts for $80K (aside from the $50K) and still have to follow up with the majority of the remaining alums. All in all, a major stride in the right direction.
Still waiting to hear about the Beijing meetings but will let you know once I do.
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