In a bid to help disaster relief in Japan, a televised fundraiser was held last night by three local TV corporations, including CTS, as well as the ROC Red Cross Society. More than 200 entertainers and celebrities joined the effort, and President Ma Ying-jeou also attended the event to make donation requests and take phone calls.

"Believe in love, believe in hope, believe in the future, and believe in you and me."

These were the lyrics that President Ma recorded for the special theme song that F.I.R band leader Chen Chien-ning helped produce for the Japan Disaster Relief Party.

Chen wanted President Ma's tone to sound determined and compassionate, and the president was ever so cooperative.

President Ma also recorded a message urging the Taiwan public to donate not only funds to the relief efforts, but also their courage and compassion and let the Japanese know that they are not alone.

The Japan Disaster Relief Party took place at 8:00 on March 18.

Both President Ma and the first lady showed up to take donation calls.