"This year the International Ladies Benevolent Society is celebrating 50 continuous years of philanthropy," Maria Anderson said.
Wife of Ronald, of the American International Group Cos. in Japan, Maria is current president of the highly reputed ILBS. Through its activities and principally its Christmas bazaar and springtime ball, each year ILBS raises impressive sums of money for charity. It has donated these funds directly to approved institutions in Japan and overseas, and to deserving non-Japanese nationals. It is honored by the patronage of the Imperial family.
ILBS organized its first Cherry Blossom Charity Ball at Korin Mansion in 1953. Over the years since then, companies and individuals have been generous in donations to ILBS because of its practical good sense and impeccable trustworthiness. Every worker for the organization is a volunteer. Administration expenses are met by membership dues, and no money intended for welfare is diverted elsewhere. ILBS has no office or paid staffers to maintain. Every institution that benefits is inspected and encouraged. 50 years on, the policy of ILBS, and the support given it from many quarters, have not changed. This year however, Maria Anderson as president oversees changes in program. Instead of the springtime Cherry Blossom Ball, a 50th Anniversary Gala Benefit is planned for Sept. 26. It is envisaged as an elegant event with special top-class entertainment as well as dancing, to take place in the Hotel Okura.