Family of Atherton man creates relief fund for tsunami victims Family of Atherton man creates relief fund for tsunami victims (February 02, 2005)

Community Foundation Silicon Valley and the family of Atherton resident James Hsu has created the James W. Hsu Memorial Fund, which will aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts in South Asia in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami of December 26.

The fund commemorates Mr. Hsu, a Stanford Graduate School of Business student who lost his life during the tsunami while vacationing on the island of Koh Phi Phi.

"James was a friend to all, and made the most of his experience at Stanford by meeting with as many people as possible, and involving himself in every activity he could," said Ben McCaw, the fiance of Mr. Hsu's sister Peggy.

One such activity took James and several of his classmates on a school-sponsored study trip to Thailand and Singapore. "He was having the time of his life in Thailand, and when the trip ended he decided to stay in South Asia for a few extra days," said Mr. McCaw.

Mr. Hsu was last seen on a beach at Koh Phi Phi when waves engulfed his bungalow.

After scouring local hospitals and speaking with State Department officials, the family is sure Mr. Hsu perished in the tsunami.

A private memorial service was held for James at Stanford University on January 23, the date of his 26th birthday.

Mr. Hsu's siblings Peggy and Ben traveled to Thailand to search for him, and were touched by the kindness and generosity of the local residents who aided them in their search, the Hsu family said. To honor James and help those who survived the tsunami, the Hsu family established a fund at Community Foundation Silicon Valley to raise money not only for the current relief efforts in South Asia, but also for the rebuilding process. In future years, the fund may also benefit other local causes for which James cared.

"We want to keep his spirit alive by helping others," said Mr. McCaw.

Memorial contributions may be made online (through JustGive.org) at www.cfsv.org/james. Memorial contributions made by check should be made out to Community Foundation Silicon Valley with "The James W. Hsu Memorial Fund" in the memo line, and mailed to the Community Foundation Silicon Valley, 60 S. Market St., Suite 1000, San Jose, CA 95113-2336.

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