SEOUL — A private South Korean organization that supports U.S.-South Korean relations donated $40,000 Friday to help fund the KATUSA-U.S. Soldier Friendship Week, according to garrison officials.

People to People, New Seoul Chapter president Hwang Moo-young delivered the 40 million won gift to support the annual event geared toward building camaraderie and cultural understanding between the Korean Augmentees to the U.S. Army and the U.S. soldiers they work with.

It’s a nonpolitical, nongovernment, private organization established in 1990, according to a story on the garrison’s Web site.

“Our goal is to promote United States and Republic of Korea relations,” Hwang was quoted as saying in the story. “We have about 80 Korean businessmen and women in our organization. We hope to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two nations and express appreciation to American servicemembers.”

Garrison commander Col. David Hall thanked Hwang for the donation.

“We would not be able to enjoy an enhanced quality of life and well-being without the great support we get from our good neighbors,” he said.

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