The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) recently presented The Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service with a check for almost $20,000 raised during a charity auction at the Society's recent Anime Expo New York (AXNY). Almost 5,500 Japanese animation fans and industry professionals from around the world attended the event in Manhattan.

"We are grateful for the generosity of The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation and everyone who participated in the AXNY auction. The needs of those affected by the tragedy are ongoing, and through the generous support of organizations like SPJA, we are able to continue our relief efforts," said BBCS Executive Director Donna Santarsiero.

"We are building an excellent relationship with the Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service and are pleased with the generosity of our guest artists and the Anime community in helping out in this cause," said Mike Tatsugawa, Chairman, Anime Expo New York.

This year's auction featured donations from numerous individuals and companies solicited by The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, a non-profit corporation comprised of animation fans and professionals. Founded in 1991, SPJA, an all-volunteer California non-profit corporation comprised of animation fans and industry professionals, was established to popularize Japanese animation and comics and educate the American public about this art form.