Soo Yuen Tradition Continues
February 25, 2005
SAN FRANCISCO — To the cacophony of symbols and drumbeats and five gyrating Chinese lion-dancing teams, the Soo Yuen Benevolent Association, one of America’s largest and oldest family associations, celebrated the Lunar New Year/Spring Festival last week with one of biggest banquets ever seen. In an event that spanned three restaurants and drew close to 2,000 participants, the organization’s leaders wished all of its members and friends world prosperity and joy for the new year.
“Soo Yuen Benevolent Association strives to pursue its main priority in maintaining strong ties to each other and the community in carrying on the family tradition of the Annual Chinese New Year Banquet,” said president Roger Louie to thunderous applause.
San Francisco’s public officials also came to help celebrate, such as San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, Police Chief Heather Fong and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s representative Barbara Kaufman. In addition, President Bush, Congress and both houses of the California State Legislature expressed their congratulations.
Soo Yuen Benevolent Association is a nonprofit organization combining three surnames — Fong, Louie and Kwong — which trace their roots back to southern China. The organization recently celebrated its 116th anniversary in America.
According to permanent adviser Stephen Louie, the association emphasizes civic and community programs for its members and Chinese Americans. Louie stated that the association is extremely proud to provide scholarships for young people and incentives for them to attend Chinese school. Additionally, its senior citizen assistance program is another point of pride.
“I’m so happy to be part of this wonderful organization,” commented past president Jack Lee Fong. “I, like others, have to work like crazy to make this thing a success, but it’s worth it. It’s a wonderful Chinese tradition.”
— AsianWeek Staff Report
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