(copied from Motorcycle Product News, 3/17/11):

The recent disasters in Japan have left the nation devastated with thousands dead, as well as businesses and homes destroyed. There are many people who need help and many more who want to help.

In order to get help to the Japanese people quickly, industry veterans Greg Hatton and Jon Bekefy started Moto For Japan on Crowdrise, a website that organizes charities, to bring the motorcycle industry together to donate to Japan relief.

"The Japanese people have contributed to our passions and our livelihoods, and we believe, both as motorcyclists and regular humans, that we have an obligation to aid and assist them in this time of disaster and terrible loss," Hatton and Bekefy said on the Moto For Japan website.

"Whether you're a rider, a racer, an industry employee, or a fan of any of the Big Four, this is your opportunity to give back to one of the most important nation-contributors of all things riding and racing."

The money donated to Moto For Japan will go directly toward funding the Red Cross.

For more information or to donate, visit Moto For Japan at www.crowdrise.com/moto4japan.