Second in a series honoring Kimochi’s Philanthropists
Kimochi, Inc. started Sansei Live! 25 years ago as a way to introduce younger generations to Kimochi senior services and to encourage philanthropy among young people.
Today, the Japantown-based organization serves 3,000 Bay Area seniors and their families with everything from nutrition and resident care to transportation and social services.
Here is a look at a few business professionals who have devoted their time, money and energy to giving back to the Japanese community. They will be recognized at the 25th anniversary of Sansei Live on Oct. 18.
Name: Ted Yamagishi
Occupation: Founder and Principal, Spinner Mortgage
Residence: San Mateo, Calif.
Getting involved with Kimochi:
Ted started volunteering at Kimochi’s Nutrition Program on weekends to fulfill his volunteer hours at Saint Ignatius College Preparatory. That was the start of a lifetime of community service and philanthropy—a practice Ted has woven into his company’s philosophy. Many Spinner Mortgage agents and staff donate their time and contribute to various causes and functions. Those that closely work with Ted understand his compassion for supporting the community and the organizations he believes in. Today, Ted continues to generously support Kimochi.
What Kimochi means to him: “I believe in the cause and the spirit of Kimochi. I feel obligated because of the foundation that Kimochi provided me in my youth. Kimochi and the senior staff have been big influences for me, and I relate those relationships to the success I have had as an adult. To me, Kimochi means community, positive attitude and a hope for a better future for all.”
Name: Keith Onishi
Occupation: Firefighter, San Francisco Fire Department
Residence: San Francisco, Calif.
Getting involved with Kimochi:
He became involved with Sansei Live! as part of the San Francisco Asian Firefighters, who have lent their ongoing support to Kimochi and Sansei Live! throughout the years. He has also supported Kimochi on an individual basis.
Keith has been a San Francisco firefighter for 16 years and is a role model for young people both professionally and through his community volunteerism. His parents, Ken and Kay Onishi, and their friends also have volunteered at Kimochi.
What Kimochi means to him: “Kimochi is a great program. It provides great activities for seniors, plus it provides residential home and respite services, congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation services, plus new creative wellness and active aging programs. My parents now participate in many of the Kimochi activities. When I retire I hope to use Kimochi resources. That is why I support them.”
25th Anniversary of Kimochi’s
Sansei Live! Fundraiser
Saturday, October 18
San Francisco Presidio Officers’ Club
50 Moraga Ave., San Francisco
6:00pm – Midnight
$75 general admission;
$20 at door after 9:00 p.m.
(415) 931-2294
kimochi-inc.org
