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Corporation, and Tajiri received $24,000. Again, Mr. Nixon’s superb bookkeeping kept us in the black. During his tenure, Mr. Nixon
was responsible for Tajiri acquiring a half million dollars in funding.
I remember a time when funds were late coming in from a State-approved grant, which meant the construction workers would not
be paid on time by the Construction Manager. Mr. Nixon gave the manager $15,000 from his own bank account to cover the payroll,
and he was later reimbursed. What a magnificent gesture! That was the supreme character that Mr. Nixon possessed.
Mr. Nixon was also a strategic planner. He developed an expense account for me to attend workshops and conferences that covered
my car rentals, gas, lodging, and food. I thank God for the wisdom to accept Mrs. Nixon’s advice to add him to the Board of Directors
because Tajiri would not have been as successful without him. Even the Nixon children participated and contributed to our success
with Randy assisting his mother in Set Designs, Heather as a Building Self Image Instructor, and grandson Christopher as a student.
The Nixons gave their all!
Looking back, I have to agree with Mrs. Nixon who said, “Everything Mr. Nixon touched turned to gold.” I want to mention that
this and all of his other services were performed while he was a cancer patient; he served Tajiri for ten years. He was a remarkable,
caring, and generous professional who kept Tajiri’s well-being close to his heart.
~ Mr. John and Dr. Renee Simpson ~
Mr. John Simpson, a superior planner with great fund-raising ideas, was a blessing to Tajiri Arts. Public Relations and Marketing
comprised his career and he was co-founder of The Black Family Magazine. He brought his expert skill set to Tajiri. He was
responsible for developing a fantastic brochure that marketed Tajiri’s history and youth offerings in the Visual Arts, Performing Arts,
and Academics. He also organized the 519 Pledge Drive and a silent auction for Tajiri, which had excellent results. Great job, Mr.
Simpson and many, many thanks!