Asian Americans for Community Involvement, Santa Clara’s largest non-profit health and human services organization focused on the Asian Pacific American community, continues to provide services in it 34th year of operation.
Its annual fundraising banquet, traditionally one of the largest celebrations in the valley’s APA community, provides the necessary funds to continue the group’s primary care medical clinic, mental health services, a domestic violence shelter for women and their children, and a center for torture survivors. As English language and citizenship instructor Victor Wong once told me, “My students, mostly seniors, line up at the door before I arrive because they are so eager to learn English and become American citizens. They tell me they are so grateful they have a place to not only learn but to make new friends in my classes. I leave ACCI every day grateful there is a place where I can help these devoted students.”
ACCI’s fundraising dinner is May 18 at the San Jose Marriott Hotel. Television reporter Thuy Vu will be emceeing. Receiving Community Star Awards that evening will be Dr. Samuel So, founder of Stanford Asian Liver Center; Nalini Shekar, advocacy director at Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence; and San Jose Japanese Community Youth Service. Recipients of the Gordon N. Chan Leadership Award will be Chinese Historical and Cultural Project co-founders Lillian Gong-Guy and myself. ACCI welcomes supporters to this benefit, aptly titled, “Strengthening the Fabric of Our Community.” aaci.org; (408) 975-2730, ext. 102.
Chi Am Circle, a 40-year-old women’s organization based in Silicon Valley, annually awards a dozen college scholarships to Asian American high school graduates for academic achievement and community service. The award dinner will be held May 21 at the Bamboo Gardens Restaurant in Sunnyvale’s Town and Country Center. Co-chair Sylvia Eng says, “Sure to inspire the students and guests will be keynote speaker, Yul Kwon, the million-dollar winner of Survivor: Cook Islands TV series, a Stanford BS grad, with JD of Law from Harvard.” Come cheer on these young people embarking on the most exciting years of their lives (remember how you felt the first day of college so many years ago?), and listen to their backgrounds, dreams and ultimate goals. Dinner reservations: $22. Call Mary Ann Wong, (408) 255-7888.
Congratulations to Asian Law Alliance who celebrated 30 years of service with its annual benefit dinner honoring Dr. Hsing Kung, Luxnet Corp. chairman and respected community activist; Ming Chin, associate justice of the California Supreme Court; and Sanjeev Bery, San Jose director for the ACLU of Northern California. E.D. Richard Konda was given a surprise gift from his past and present associates for his longevity and dedication in carrying out ALA’s mission to help the underserved Asian American community — a long-deserved vacation in Hawaii! A video of ALA’s history narrated by Don Tamaki was evidence of the fine work carried on by this nonprofit. Congrats to chairs Glen Sato, Buu Thai and Ryan Hubris. Info: (408) 287-9710
Self-Help for the Elderly’s Longevity Gala Banquet annually raises close to half a million for this three-county social service agency helping seniors. This year’s bash will be Jun. 2 at the Hyatt Regency Burlingame featuring famous Hong Kong singer, Joe Junior, whose “Here’s a Heart” topped the Hong Kong charts for seven weeks in the 1970s. Also on deck is a once-in-a-lifetime viewing of an Hawaiian dance performed by staunch SHE supporters Norman Tu, Jerry Lee, and Roger Eng, to name only a few of the twinkle-toed stars. Usually more than 1,000 supporters come out for this great cause, so call (415) 677-7668 for the best seats.
selfhelpelderly.org
Happy Days
As Dorothy Toy Fong, former stage and screen star of the famed Wing and Toy Dance Team, was about to turn 90, friends Doris Grover, Darlene Mar, Beatrice Wong and Rose Tokugawa decided the glamour and glitz of Las Vegas was a perfect celebration scene. The splendor of Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere mesmerized youthful Dorothy, saying, “I have never seen such a well-synchronized production with spectacular staging and talented performers. No wonder it has thrilled audiences for over 13 years,” the beautiful senior exclaimed happily to San Francisco friends Yvonne Lee and Pat Chinn.
Sad Times
The Celebration of Life service honoring Sunnyvale’s William Joe Fong told the story of his remarkable survival as a 4-year-old hiding under his father’s store counter when a Mississippi hurricane hit and killed his family. Over 300 honoring him learned of his determination to become a pharmacist and ultimately achieve his dream of owning his own Pillbox Drugs store with wife Carol.