The Committee to Save the Center, which is trying to meet a Dec. 31 fund-raising deadline to stave off foreclosure by the center's lenders, announced that $5 million has been raised to date.

One of the major boons has come from the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett Co. Inc., owners of The Honolulu Advertiser. The committee today acknowledged a $75,000 donation from the foundation.

"The Gannett Foundation and The Honolulu Advertiser believe in the cultural mission of the Japanese Cultural Center," said Mike Fisch, president and publisher of The Advertiser. "Our gift is in the spirit of assisting the Japanese community in preserving an important part of their cultural heritage in Hawai'i. We look forward to continuing to support the programs of the Japanese Cultural Center in the years ahead."

Today's update marks a substantial fund-raising leap since Dec. 10, when the committee reported a collection total of $2.5 million.

Colbert Matsumoto, committee chairman, has said he hopes the momentum might convince lenders to extend the year-end deadline.

Lingle's participation, Matsumoto said today, is "a real honor and privilege.

"We are grateful that she appreciates the importance of the Japanese Cultural Center, not just for the Japanese community but for our entire state," he said.

Matsumoto said that more than 5,000 individual donors and dozens of organizations have responded to the public appeal for funds, which began about six weeks ago. Major gifts have included $500,000 from Makiki Japanese Language School and two $250,000 gifts, from City Bank and Island Insurance. Other honorary chairpersons include U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye and former Gov. George Ariyoshi.

Lingle called it "a way of life in Hawai'i" to cherish varied ethnic traditions and cultures and to offer support to those in need.