Festival of Trees
December 9, 2005
TIME TO BE MERRY
It felt a bit early, but Peninsula Children’s Auxiliary launched their annual Festival of Trees to catch the early birds to gift-shop at the benefit boutique and bid for the dozen beautifully decorated 8-foot twinkling theme trees.
Seen buying her favorite was Gentry publisher Elsie Floriani from handworking former president Helen Leong, dressed in resplendent purple. Fedora-adorned George Leong helped auctioneer Alex Chew rev up the audience’s enthusiasm and convinced Irene Lee she needed to bid for and win the peridot jewelry set. Also supporting this fine cause for children’s health were Vernon Wong, Roy and Ruth Wong, Larry and Helen Chew, Victor Chinn and Pearl Wong.
AWAY IN THE MANGER
Welcome to Mai Kamailelai-jing in sunny Malibu, adored by parents, famed interior designer Melissa and AOL techie Alex Quillici. Grandparents Tom and Camilla Chinn, along with newly arrived from China, Bai-Ren Guo and Zhi-Feng Yu, honored their August-born grandson Kyle Thomas Chinn with a red egg party at San Leandro’s New China Buffet. Parents Matthew and Liane Chinn beamed alongside Baby Kyle, appropriately.
DECEMBER TO-DO’S
Dec. 15 is a groundbreaking day for the Chinatown YMCA of San Francisco. As Louis Kwok explained, “Every time we set a goal, we always achieve it within a year, but by then, building costs have jumped up even further. So we must move forward and begin building.” Many of its faithful volunteers were once young Chinese boys, whose lives were influenced by the comradeship offered by the YMCA clubs. Let’s hope they will consider giving back to this institution that was a haven for them growing up. The fundraising team would be grateful to hear from some of the former Y boys offering their support.
CONGRATULATIONS
The Asian Chef’s Association (ACA) will contribute their time and culinary expertise by preparing gourmet meal for the needy and homeless this season. On Dec. 19, ACA will be delivering approximately 3,000 Asian Fusion Turkey Dinners to Glide Memorial Church and housebound citizens in need.
Vision New America, Inc., based in Milpitas, honored enthusiastic high school and college students who participated in the group’s public policy program, which introduces Asian Pacific American youth to government and public services. Washington Congressman David Wu presented scholarships to high school interns Nabeel Alam, Edward Chao, Laura Chia, Annie Cho, Hang Do, Mindy Hou, June Kim, Sybil Lam, Alison Lee, Peggy Liu, Jessica Lai, Sophia Ma, Katherine Pham, Tiffany Quang, Kajal Singal, Katherine Sun, Lana Togami, Sameep Tandon, Neesha Tatla, My Linh Tran, Chen Wang and Rain Xu.
Linda Wong was the sole private practice attorney to receive the Trailblazer Award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). Honorees were recognized for outstanding achievements, commitments and leadership. Wong, a shareholder at Wong Fleming, concentrates her practice in employment and commercial law with offices in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia.
GOLFING IN CHINA
When Great China International Travel Company’s owner, Wesley Chang, introduced the idea of a golf trip in Southern China, 24 wise, sports-loving individuals, yours truly included, signed up to embark on this trial journey.
Golden Hills G.C. members Louis Kwok and Wing Lai braved and raved about two of the 10 courses of Mission Hills Resort in Shenzhen and Dongguan. San Francisco ladies Daisy Wong, Lavinia Kwok, Beatrice Chin and Nellie Chung conquered Zhongshan’s famed Agile Golf Club while avid golfers Gerald Chin, Steven and Toy San Tom, Barney and Janet Fong, Howard Seto and Ed Wong were awed by the beauty of the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain overlooking its namesake course, touted as the second highest course and the longest course in the world. Baltimore golfers Dr. Wyman and Alsona Wong, with Oaklander Margaret Louie enjoyed the Kunming area, once home to fellow golfer Sherwin Louie, with its magnificent cave, Stone Forest and the Spring City Golf Resort, widely considered the best golf course in China.
Non-golfers Dorothy Lai, Pat Seto, Martha Wong and Richard Chung said it was a “premier golf and gourmet tour” because National Guide Peter Zhou arranged the finest Cantonese banquets nightly. Wesley Chang’s next golf tour in 2006 features both North and South China locations. For more info, call (800) 227-3624.
SILICON VALLEY PARTNERSHIP
The Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) and Chinese American Artists Development Association (CAAD) have brought together a traveling exhibit on local history and an exhibition of paintings by local artists at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library near San Jose State Nov. 15 – Jan. 15, 2006. On Jan. 14, Asian art historian Dr. Arthur Kao will demonstration calligraphy at the 150 E. San Fernando Street library, 2-4 p.m. All are welcome. Showcased artists include Stephanie Chang, Ming Frantz, Monica Hsu and Ming Mei Sheeh.
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