SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS PRODUCE HAPPY TIMES
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS PRODUCE HAPPY TIMES
BY Gerrye Wong June 17, 2023
As long as I can remember, whenever Self Help for the Elderly, a community non-profit organization that serves the needs of seniors at its many facilities, holds its annual Longevity Fundraising Gala, supporters stream from all areas of the Greater Bay Area, and even beyond, to attend the event. The trend was no different this year, for by the time dinner gong was sounded, over 750 people waltzed into the Ballroom of the San Francisco Airport Hyatt Regency in Burlingame.
Although Executive Director of SHE Anni Chung told the audience of the organization’s many milestones and activities, I am sure most of the crowd already knew of the fine work SHE does for the senior population, from South Bay to San Francisco. As Board Chairman, Nicholas Jay, told in the booklet, “The theme of the event was “Transformation” and he hoped everyone there realized the impact SHE has made for the past 57 years to the senior population, being always sensitive to the elderly’s changing needs to transform to the community’s senior problems. “ A wonderful backdrop of butterflies was a special place for people to get their photos taken in front of.
From the moment an attendee entered the Hyatt Regency’s doors, they were met with a flurry of activity as people enter a “Funderland” of prizes to be bought, all for the good cause for seniors. Martin Yan was showing his cutting skills, with his special knife, and sold many of his cookbooks and kitchen utensils to his fans. Daisy Li’s Funderland was a major highlight of the evening, providing a delightful and engaging space for attendees. This unique feature not only entertained the guests but also served as a fundraising opportunity. Funderland sold donated items and services, contributing to the noble cause of supporting senior programs. The attendees enthusiastically participated in the fundraiser, knowing that their contributions would make a significant difference in the lives of seniors. Putting together this entertaining reception time activity to capture your money for charity was Colette Kondo, Jeanie Lee, Dorothy Yeung and enthusiastic Daisy Li who brought in her own crew of volunteers to work towards SHE’s goals.
One has to appreciate the manpower that goes into presenting an event o this magnitude year after year. This year the ladies in charge of decorations, which were beautiful orchid plants decorated with butterflies done by Kayoko Fong, Jeanie Lee and Jane Yang. The job of selling the ads to go into the program booklet were handled by Beverly Lee and Josephine Ma. Hotel production from staging to hotel arrangements were chaired by Antonia Tu and Christina Ng. Putting the guests into a happy mood at the beginning of the program was John Lee & The Fantasy, a group of four ladies from Lillian’s Dance Studio. Randall Fong described Lee’s music as part of the program well, saying “The gala was further enhanced by the enchanting singing performances of John Lee. His soulful and captivating voice charmed the attendees, leaving them in awe and appreciation. Lee’s talent and stage presence added a touch of magic to the event, ensuring that the guests were thoroughly entertained throughout the night. John in his day life is a Certified Financial Planner, but you can tell by his enthusiasm on stage, he most certainly enjoys performing regularly with various bands in the Bay Area.
ABC television reporter, now retired David Louie and partner KTVU Award winning journalist Jana Katsuyama kept the loaded program moving swiftly. Their job of bringing out various local politicians was made more visually more pleasurable as each official had been adorned in Chinese ancient costumes. San Francisco Mayor London Breed was exceptionally lovely in a bright orange silk Chinese Imperial robe. Can’t tell who got the most pleasure out of these costumes, the wearers or the appreciative individuals in the audience. As this is SHE’s major fundraising event, with a goal to bring in over $500,000 , of course an auction is on the program to bring in fantastic amounts of money . Auctioneer Devon Bell brought the auction into a bidding fervor with many grinning widely after outbidding people for 9 grand prizes, including A Day with David Louie at Filoli Gardens, A Sonoma home stay for 8, An afternoon with wine and conversation with noted author Amy Tan at her home, a stay at a lakefront home near Yosemite, Luxurious trip to Las Vegas, to name a few. A grand one prize raffle was also held to win a Dine Around the Bay which included at least 4 star restaurants in the Greater Bay Area, Supporters were so anxious to help the Cause that they didn’t care so much about winning but another way to support .
In addition to the memorable experiences, the gala took a moment to honor two extraordinary individuals, Chef Martin Yan and Nancy Lim Yee, for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to the community. Both Chef Yan and Yee have made significant contributions to improving the lives of seniors, and their dedication was recognized and celebrated at the event. Their selfless efforts served as an inspiration to others, highlighting the importance of supporting and uplifting the elderly community. Earning the Friend of the Elderly Awards was Nancy Lim-Yee who had served those in need in San Francisco’s Chinatown for over 35 years. A certified clinical social worker, she co founded the Association for Chinese families of the disabled in 1989. In 1995 seeing a need, she co founded the API Social Work Council, a council of the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter. At SHE, she is the Center Administrator and Psychiatric Consultant providing psychological assessments and counseling services to the senior participants at the Center. Honoree Chef Martin Yan, needs no introduction as he is often at the center cheering up residents with his comical banter as he teaches the many phases of Chinese cooking. “ if Yan can cook, so can you” has always been Martin’s motto. As chef extraordinaire of popular cooking and travel TV shows, host of more than 3500 culinary and travel fans, Martin may be the most recognizable Chinese American icon in the culinary world. Promoting Chinese and Asian cuisines, making the food easy for the cook and tasty for the guests has been his life-long mission. In addition he often supports local non profit organizations with philanthropic assistance to those in need
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After the fundraising part of the evening ended , the next half hour was one of whimsy where large paper flowers adorned the stage. The show was started by little children streaming from the backstage to pose among the large paper flowers and brightly colored balloons on stage. As active committee member Randall Fong explained, “ Monique Zhang’s fashion show paid homage to the legendary Anna May Wong era in fashion, creating an atmosphere of glamour and nostalgia. The models gracefully showcased designs inspired by the iconic fashion of that era, captivating the audience with their elegance and style. The fashion show celebrated the timeless beauty of aging and reminded everyone that fashion knows no age limits. We enjoyed watching the models aged from 5 to 90 years young!”
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma explained to the audience they were entering a field of whimsey with 30 models of all ages so sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery coming ahead. One segment featured young children prancing around in colorful young dresses. Another group on stage were high school students and young mothers in a garden, with each wearing fanciful pastel colored gowns while gliding on stage.
While I personally always claim the children steal any fashion show, I must say as each group descended down the ramp, more interest and applause was given by the enthusiastic audience. My group was representing Self Help for the Elderly, so I would say, representing the older ladies on stage. Following our entrance, the cast together led by California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, sang with the audience What a Wonderful World! The fashion show titled City Butterfly was produced by Catwalk for charitable Causes Production with Artistic Director & Producer Monique Zhang.
Titled a fashion film parade inspired by Anna May Wong, the cast and crew behind scenes were Music by Joshua Bernstein, Choreography by Miki Novitski, Hair/Makeup by Ethel Reddy and Catwalk Coach Tian Tian Zhao, Fashions by Agata Couture Sue Xu Wang & Monique Zhang. Soloist dancers on stage were Kylie Chang and Falcon Wang.
As well one can imagine, an event of this magnitude took an army of volunteers working tirelessly for the good of Self Help for the Elderly’s senior causes. The magnitude of SHE’s work is wide spread. Its services spread from Adult day services to Residential care facility Autumn Glow Alzheimer’s Care Home in San Francisco, to affordable housing for independent seniors at Lady Show Senior Housing in San Francisco. SHE offers active community and senior centers from San Francisco southward to Sunnyvale. In addition SH staff offers Home Health and & Hospice Care, Chinatown Job Center and Senior Employment Programs. Health insurance counseling & advocacy programs in support of seniors is another way SHE serves the community’s seniors. To learn more about programs and services available call the following:
San Francisco -415 677 7600; San Mateo – 650 342 6822; South Bay – 408 733 1883; Alameda & Contra Costa 510 336 1883; or check selfhelpelderly.org.
Congratulations Self Help or the Elderly on a successful enjoyable event. You continue to serve help for all seniors, and I was happy to participate IN YOUR 2023 GALA.
ANGEL ISLAND FIRST ANNUAL FAMILY DAY BIG SUCCESS
When Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation made the offer to host friends ad supporters to a first Family Day, it must have caught the idea to many, as California State park rangers clocked attendees of over 1000 people as they stepped off the ferry and shuttles to get people to the angel Island immigration station.
Entertainment on stage ranged from Chinese lion dancers to Indian dancers to an enthusiastic and high spirited San Jose Taiko Dum Club performing before an enthusiastic audience. Food stations were bombarded with long lines as the Family Day offering to all supporters included the Ferry round trip ride, a much needed shuttle driving guests to the actual immigration site where too many immigrants were detained unfairly from 1910-1940. Many hands came up when AIISF executive director Edward Tepporn asked the crowd how many people in the audience were at the immigration site for the first time. So this was an eye opening part of Chinese American history for all to learn from .
Like its name, this was a special Family Day for we Wongs, as grandson Braden performed with the San Jose Taiko group which he has joined recently. We also got to share our “inscribed bench” with Calvin’s sister Camilla and her family for a photo op. Visiting the Immigrant Wall of memories, our young family members found a plaque honoring our ancestors so we could take a family photo before it to send to family members far and wide. Everyone seemed to want to document our family visit to Angel Island today as their interest continues to grow about finding their own personal roots .Kudos to AIISF and California State Parks Casey for running this massive program, getting everyone on and off the island and to the site in record times and enabling visitors to visit the Barracks and hospital buildings which used to house all immigrants
