By Samantha Lee, CHCP Member
On the evening of January 28th, 170 CHCP members and their guests gathered at the China Stix Restaurant in Santa Clara for CHCP's annual membership dinner—a tradition that continues to deepen bonds, honor heritage, and spotlight the breadth of Chinese American history and activity in the South Bay.
As the banquet room filled, the vibrant opening act paraded into the spotlight—Hoong the Dragon, accompanied by the rhythmic steps of the SJSU Lion Dance Team, announcing the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse with a ceremonial flourish. Representatives from SDCAP (Student Docent Cultural Ambassador Program) then took the mic to share the symbolic meanings of the Year of the Horse—resilience and endurance against headwinds to forge new paths.
As MC Edith Gong transitioned the crowd into the formal business portion of the evening, the atmosphere remained celebratory. The 2025 Year-in-Review by outgoing Co-President Dr. Arthur Jue offered a moving snapshot of the year’s many accomplishments: the WWII Exhibit, the Marysville Pioneer Families Day, Thomas Foon Chew Day, and many outreach events across Santa Clara and San Jose. With over 50 events held, the breadth of CHCP’s outreach is staggering. A heartfelt museum update from Governing Trustee Anita Kwock reminded guests of CHCP’s anchor: the Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM), which continues to serve as both a building and a site of learning, open Saturdays 12-3:30 pm and by appointment. Next came the installation of CHCP’s 2026 Directors, Trustees, and Advisory Board Members with Hon. Patrick Kwok administering the oath. This moment was particularly poignant as CHCP prepares to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Chinese American Historical Museum in the coming year. Recognition was also paid to Connie Young Yu, recipient of the American Association for State and Local History’s Award of Excellence—an honor decades in the making, with her work remaining a cornerstone of CHCP’s offering.
As trays of pork, stir-fried greens, honey walnut shrimp, and fragrant rice were brought to the tables, a looping visual recap of 2025 photo highlights played with snapshots of outreach events, museum tours, student-led programs, and community milestones. Then the live musical entertainment began with performances by young artists on the guzheng, piano, pipa, and guitar.
President Kimberly Eng Lee shared an inspiring vision for 2026, emphasizing community growth, digital programs, museum enhancements, and Chinese Americans’ contributions to civil rights, generating excitement and collective pride.
Then the evening shifted into an unexpected twist of theatrical delight when a mahjong table appeared center stage, and the audience was treated to the debut of “Mahjong Mamas at the Senior Center,” a comedy starring Gerrye Wong, CHCP Co-Founder and tireless community matriarch. The skit offered more than laughs—it offered a reflection of life’s aging rituals and communal bonds. Guests described the moment as “a revelation,” “gutsy,” and even “CHCP’s Academy Awards-worthy.” Thoughtfully scripted, the skit’s crisp timing and humor were sharpened by shared lived experience.
And just when the audience thought the evening had reached its peak, it crescendoed in a heartfelt sing-along led by Advisory Board Member, Pinki Fung. The lyrics of “Gong Xi Gong Xi” rang through the room, with every guest joining in harmony.
The final stretch of the evening featured a flurry of door prize drawings and giveaways donated by the CHCP Board and Advisory members. The banquet concluded with closing remarks and thanks to all attending members, volunteers, performers, and partners. Collective photographs immortalized the assembled Directors, Trustees, Advisory Board, and the ever-essential SDCAP students.
