By Gerrye Wong, CHCP Co-Founder and Trustee

Chinese Historical and Cultural Project welcomed the Year of the Rabbit in fine fashion with its annual membership dinner, which was free for all paid members.

Nearly 140 gathered to celebrate together and witness the swearing in of the Board of Directors for 2023 led by Dr. Arthur Low, Advisory Board Liaison and former CHCP president. Newly sworn in were Directors Dr. Arthur Jue, Elizabeth Lee and Mike Mak, and Co-Treasurer Bill Shu.  

California State Assemblyman Evan Low performed the swearing in of Advisory Board members. New Advisory Board members included: Michael Chan, Daniel Jue, Kelly Kwong, Sharon Lai, and Lielani Rich. It’s always being said that whatever is worthwhile “takes a village” and true to form, CHCP is led by a dedicated group of over 50 Board and Advisory Board members overseeing the membership of 300.

Keeping all of the audience members happy was the awarding of over 20 door prizes of orchid plants and Trader Joe gift cards. Attendees had a chance to view highlights of the 35th Anniversary Gala, which occurred last September 2022, thanks to Advisory Board member Steve Gilbert.

Before dinner, attendees were delighted to find a bright red voile bag which contained the commemorative Anna May Wong quarter, issued in 2022 as one of the American women coin series. Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American actress to appear in Hollywood movies beginning in the 1920s. 

Assemblyman Evan Low presented a framed California proclamation to President Dave Yick and CHCP for its fine community work in preserving and presenting Chinese American history for the past three decades through its activities and Chinese American Historical Museum. NBC reporter Robert Handa applauded CHCP for its continuing service to the community.

Lions Michael and Macy Mak Chan gifted everyone present that evening with a crystal display miniature teapot set with 4 cups to wish everyone a Happy New Year and invite them all to join their Silicon Valley Cyber Lions Club.  

Student Docent Cultural Ambassadors led the audience in singing Chinese New Year to close this eventful program.

Pictured in the photos below from left to right are: Director/SDCAP Chair Brenda Hee Wong, Advisory Board member Pinki Fung, "Money God," and Co-Founder/Trustee Gerrye Wong; Trustee Debbie Gong-Guy, Trustee Anita Kwock, and Co-Vice President of Marketing Edith Gong; new Board member Dr. Arthur Jue and Co-Treasurer Jonathan Wong; Barbara Johnson and Bill Schroh, jr. from History San Jose.