The Committee of 100 (C-100), an organization of prominent Chinese Americans, Monday received US$500,000 from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

"On behalf of Bank of America, we express our deepest sympathies and support for all the affected families and appreciate the efforts of organizations like the Committee of 100 for their dedicated work during this difficult time," president of the foundation Andrew D. Plepler said.

"As the victims of this tragedy begin to rebuild their lives and their cities, they will need immediate assistance from individuals and organizations from around the world to address both their short- and long-term needs," he added.

Chairman of C-100 Gen. John L. Fugh and Deputy Chairman Stewart Kwoh both expressed appreciation for Bank of America's "significant contribution," saying the bank "has been very supportive of Chinese American causes and improving US-China relations."

According to a press release by the C-100 Monday, the group has established a relief fund in the wake of the major earthquake which struck China on May 12.

With the help of a charity organization Give2Asia, the C-100 Earthquake Relief Fund will aid the long-term recovery effort and direct assistance to restore basic services in the affected regions in China, the release said.

Founded in 1989, the Committee of 100 is an independent, non-profit membership organization composed of Chinese American leaders in a broad range of professions.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2008)