Torrance, Calif., September 14, 2023 – The Torrance community exemplified the spirit of Ohana or family as more than 1,600 people attended the “Defining Courage” fundraising performance on Saturday, September 9 at El Camino College’s Marsee Auditorium.

The City of Torrance along with El Camino College and “Defining Courage” event producers coordinated this fundraising effort which raised more than $80,000 from the one night performance. The event included a mix of performances and documentary footage of the journey of Nisei soldiers during World War II. It was a compelling look at a time in history when Americans of Japanese ancestry served in segregated military units nearly 80 years ago. The show was hosted and co-produced by local news anchor David Ono, along with Emmy Award-winning producer Jeff MacIntyre and featured special guests such as George Takei, Tia Carrere, Daniel Ho, and the award-winning Southern California based hula school Hālau Hula Keali`i O Nālani.

Torrance District 1 City Councilmember Jon Kaji helped spearhead this event, bringing it to Torrance after seeing the performance of “Defining Courage” in Little Tokyo area of downtown Los Angeles. Kaji said, “Thanks to the assistance of El Camino College Trustee Vice President and Acting President Trisha Murakawa along with ECC President Brenda Thames for helping to secure the Marsee Auditorium and thanks to Torrance residents and the community at-large for showing support of this wonderful cause. It was a tremendous success!”

To learn more about ways to contribute to the victims of the Maui fires go to www.TorranceCA.Gov.