WIA Sets $100K Fundraising Goal for Fumi Kitahara Membership & Scholarship Fund
Reprinted from Animation Magazine
Mercedes Milligan
WIA launched its Year-End Appeal fundraiser for the Fumi Kitahara Membership & Scholarship Fund last month and in a little more than two weeks, the organization has been able to raise more than $60,000, getting the non-profit organization more than halfway to its goal. WIA, which is focused on gender equity in the animation, VFX and gaming fields, has set a $100,000 goal, which will provide 2,000 Creator-level memberships for creatives in need.
“At WIA, we are a community dedicated to breaking down the barriers facing women and non-binary people in animation, VFX and gaming, and today our work has never been more vital,” said Jinko Gotoh, Vice President of WIA. “The power of our community drives real change. Every contribution, big or small, directly funds a Creator-level membership for a talented artist. Whether you can donate or simply help spread the word, please join us in shaping our industry’s future.”
The fund also honors the dedication and hard work of Fumi Kitahara, for whom the fund was renamed following her tragic passing in February of this year. The reimagining of the fund was a way to recognize the impact she had on the members of WIA through her dedicated efforts over the years.
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