Giving Back

With the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, we've all heard about celebrities reaching out to help the Japanese people recover. Japanese players in Major league Baseball have asked for moments of silence before games shortly after the quake, and organizations such as the Skiers Helping Japan have been formed by groups of former and current athletes to send Japan encouragement and money. One particularly interesting case is that of pro golfer Ryo Ishikawa

, a 19-year old golf phenom who had family and friends in Japan during the disaster. He announced he was doing something few other athletes would volunteer to do: He will give all his tournament winnings to Japan, as well as $750 per birdie. Last year he made 341 birdies, making the total sum of money he is estimated to donate around $2 million. What Ishikawa is doing right now is simply amazing. Giving away the majority of his total earnings each year (the amount of money does not include sponsorship deals), is an incredible deed that deserves recognition. Wealthy people all over the world are contributing, but relief will need to continue over a longer period of time in order for Japan to recover as much as possible. Keeping swinging Ishikawa. All of Japan is rooting for you.

-JROD