Joong for Health, Life and Celebration
Far Horizons Fundraising has not only climbed to new heights, it has reached “Far Horizons,” as sponsored by the California Academy of Sciences in a spectacular evening of dining, dancing, and entertainment. Chaired by Leo Soong, the 16th Annual Ball, held at the Academy in the Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, encouraged devoted members and friends to help plan a new educational and scientific institution as the present academy is in need of repairs. Founded in 1853, the Academy is planning reconstruction to begin in 2002. Special entertainment at the “Far Horizons” fundraiser included Arabian Fantasies, Brazilian dancers, Chinese magicians, Chinese Fan calligraphers, a Flamenco guitarist, a Japanese koto musician, Miss Eiffel Tower, Little Dutch Girl, gigantic walking animal puppets, the Rick Marin Orchestra and many more, on the awesome grounds of the Academy of Sciences.
Hot Joong In Sacramento, a phenomenal ancient cultural tradition is meticulously enacted by over 140 hardy souls working together as a team to produce over 3,000 joong to benefit various charities. A joong is a Chinese tamale made with sweet rice, lop cheong (Chinese sweet sausage), preserved egg yolks and other succulent ingredients that are wrapped in lotus leaves. Prized for its quality, and sold-out even before production begins, the Chinese joong is made at the Portuguese Community Hall. The facility is ideal, as it contains a bank of over a half dozen deep boilers, long tables for assembling ingredients, and a warm friendly environment. Boiled for 6-8 hours, the Chinese joong also must meet strict standards in quality control.
From as far away as Houston, Texas, came Eleanor Der Bing, and from California’s Silicon Valley, Lily Chinn, to join the dedicated friends and loyal customers who work, year after year, to make joong for fundraising.
“It’s an example for not only Sacramento, but the State, the federal government, and for the international community on how to get along,” commented Bill Der Bing.
The beloved joong is eaten during the celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival in commemoration of the tragic death of Chinese poet-patriot, Qu Yuen, who was banished and drowned for his efforts to fight state corruption.
The Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which will happen on June 25 this year.
Much credit for this wonderful event in Sacramento goes to Lana Fong Chong, Mary Fong, Ellen Kwong, Dorothy Moe, Dora Wong, Edward Chong, Glenn Yee, Howard Louie, Phyllis Wong, Audrey Wong, Hazel Fong, Mollie Chow, Maryanne Yee, Risa Wong, Lacy Lee, Maybelle Whang, Eileen Park and many, many others.
Millennial Help for the Elderly Ten stunningly beautiful female and two handsome male models graced the runway of Burlingame’s Hyatt Regency Hotel recently as fashions from Shanghai were presented at a fundraiser for Self-Help for the Elderly. Dinner, auction items, both silent and live, were led by the Millennium Legacy Ball Committee members, Annie Chung, Lawrence Chew, Dr. Jeffrey Lee, and Shanghai Designer Chen Yi Fei. Patrons of the Millennium Ball raised approximately one-half million dollars to improve the lives of over 25,000 seniors in the Bay Area.
One Singular Sensation Dancing at its finest made a memorable show at the Foothill College Dance Program, One — A Singular Sensation of Song and Dance June 1 and 2, in Los Altos.
Students led by Artistic Director Bubba Gong demonstrated the most fluid and sensational movements in their bid to fundraise for their school program, capturing First Place Honors for the fourth year at the Olympiad of the Arts, College Dance Division. |
