Presidents’ Message

Dear Chi Am Circle Ladies,

Congratulations for an inspiring performance!! Chi Am

Circle’s 50th Anniversary’s ‘A Golden Legacy’

celebration was a rousing success and honored not

only the Founders and Charter Members, but enhanced

our reputation as an important contributor to the

community. Our fifty years in this valley have made a

difference!

This thank you note was received by Charter Member

Helen Chew from her guest, Mrs. ZaZa Wu who gave

us permission to print this:

“Dear Helen,

What an impressive event at the Fairmont yesterday. Thank you so much for inviting me to the 50

th anniversary celebration for Chi Am. To

have almost 900 people attend a function is indicative of the respect the organization has in the community. I was particularly impressed with the speakers of the various organizations as well as the depth of community service provided by the honorees. Lunch was delicious and the company wonderful. I’m sorry I had to leave early but I still had a wonderful time. Thanks again. ZaZa” The fact that we surpassed our initial goal of $200,000 is impressive! The fact that Sponsorship totals, Ads revenue, Silent and Live Auction proceeds, Raffle winnings, and Table Reservations profits exceeded our projections is impressive! Impressive also is the fact that production costs were kept low while the production itself was flawless. We had more press and TV coverage that reached more readers and viewers than ever before. We have raised the bar!

We couldn’t have orchestrated this celebration without

such able and dedicated co-chairs: Gerrye Wong and

Paulette Curby for Production, Sylvia Eng and Helen

Yamauchi for Venue, Muriel Kao and Bev Harada for

Publicity, and Pearl Lee and Ellen Lau for Finance.

It would be difficult for us to adequately recognize each

of the members and friends who individually

contributed months to making this Celebration a

success. Each sub-committee had multiple jobs to do,

and many were under tremendous time and stress

pressures. We were in rehearsals for over a year, and

when it was ‘The Big Day’, those hours spent refining it

turned out a performance which was superb!!

Chi Am Circle members never lost sight of why we

toiled so hard. Our Scholarship Fund, the Nest of

Freedom House, and the AACI Asian Womens’ Home

now have additional funds to continue to do their great

work.

Our Scholarship Selection Committee is now in full-

swing! Applications have been sent out to be read, and

our Scholarship Dinner is on for Wednesday, May 13,

2015. Read more in this newsletter.

Those of you who have worked and continue to spend

time and energy on Chi Am’s outreach deserve our

most profound appreciation and gratitude for what you have contributed for our Fashion Show: excellence in

execution, a fun experience, an expectation of the same special level of enjoyment for our next fashion

show, and a recognition that Chi Am Circle cares about the welfare and future of its community.

Sincerely,

Teddy and Sylvia

APRIL 2015 NEWSLETTER

Celebrating 50 years of community service and sisterhood

2015 ~ Chi Am Circle’s GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

Inside this Issue

P1 - President’s Message P7 - Fashion Show Photo

P2 - 2015 Chi Am Programs P8 - Fashion Show Raffle Winners & Members News

P3 - Memories of a Golden Legacy P9 - Scholarship Awards Dinner

P4 - Congratulations from Fashion Show guests P10 - Scholarship Sponsors 2015 & Volunteer Needed

P5 - Fashion Show Photo P11 - Bocce Ball & Camaraderie & Relay for Life

P6 - Fashion Show Photo P12 - Horse Back Riding & Berries Picking

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2015 Chi Am Programs (April 2015 Chi Am Programs (April 2015 Chi Am Programs (April 2015 Chi Am Programs (April ---- September)September)September)September)

AN AFTERNOON OF BOCCE BALL & CAMARADERIE (plus optional early dinner) Date: Saturday, April 25, 2015 Location: Campo di Bocce, 565 University Ave., Los Gatos Time: 3:45 - 5:30 pm

2015 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS DINNER Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Time: 5:30p.m. – 9:00p.m. Location: China Stix Restaurant, 2110 El Camino Real, Santa Clara RELAY FOR LIFE

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2015

Time: please see flyer

Location: Egan Junior High School, 100 W. Portola Ave., Los Altos, CA

HORSEBACK RIDING AND BERRY PICKING Date: Saturday, June 27, 2015 Time: 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. Location: Webb Ranch, 2720 Alpine Road, Portola Valley, CA

HIKING AND LUNCH IN SAN FRANCISCO Date: Saturday, July 25, 2015 Time: 9:00 a.m. (meet to carpool) Location: Lands End parking lot in San Francisco TOUR and PICNIC at SAN JOSE HISTORY PARK Date: Sunday, August 16, 2015 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p. m. Location: San Jose History Park at Kelley Park NEW MEMBER POTLUCK

Date: Saturday/Sunday (September 19/20, 26/27)

Time: TBD

Location: TBD

Please refer any suggestions or questions to Helen Yamauchi (helenyams@gmail.com) or Grace Haig (gracehaig@gmail.com)

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Memories of a Golden LegacyMemories of a Golden Legacy

Saluting Chi Am Circle’s 50 Years of Community InvolvementSaluting Chi Am Circle’s 50 Years of Community Involvement

To put it mildly, this was a busy month for Chi Am Circle club members putting on a gala celebration to commemorate

the club’s 50th anniversary. As the club leaders decided, this was an occasion that deserved a full blown celebration

and thus, A GOLDEN LEGACY plan went into effect. One co-chair was heard to remark, this celebration event was like

giving birth to a baby. The Chi Am family of over 100 members planned and worked feverishly for over 11 months to

conceive the idea that together with a fun celebration to bring Chi Am to the community, this occasion would be a

vehicle to raise awareness and funding for needy causes.

On March 21, the Golden Legacy baby burst forth before 880 happy family supporters filled the Imperial Ballroom of the

San Jose Fairmont Hotel. The Ballroom looked so beautiful, and we saw great delight on the faces as guests walked in.

They all came to root for their own family and friends who were among the 60 models on the runway, glamorously

showing off fashions from Bloomingdale’s, Stuarts Apparel of Los Altos, Dottie Doolittle Children’s Shop and Tsu.ya

sport swear by Kristi Yamaguchi. Grandmothers were the loudest rooters for the following stars on stage:

Emma (Teddy Sue), Brittany (Linda Toda), Megan (Maelene Wong), Archer (Virginia Bakken), Vanessa (Mabel Lai),

Aubrianna (Sally Wu), Mark (Elaine Shen), Lauren (Muriel Kao), Mason (Sylvia Eng), Jayden (Bonnie Kwong), Destiny

(Pearl Lee) and Braden (Gerrye Wong). Dapper gentlemen supporters of Chi Am strutted away showing everyone was

having fun on the runway as well as in the audience. Being applauded loudly were SJ Councilman Ash Kalra, Dr. Roger

Eng Jr., Jason Ting, Dr. Jeffrey Kwong, 84 year old Stephen Lee, and former local city Mayors Tony Spitaleri and Gilbert

Wong. Dazzling in spring pastel flowing evening gowns, hand-picked by Nancy Lueck, Western Region Public Relations

Director of Bloomingdale’s were Diana Ding, Founder Shirley Wong’s daughter Elayna Wong, Eva Jones, Evelyn Gate’s

daughter-in-law Renee Mark, FCSN parent Jennifer Li, Sharon Seto, Keats Iwanaga and Kim DeLevett.

Fashions shown by very fashionable ladies, men and children were a much anticipated portion of the Chi Am

celebration for our organization has always been noted as putting on spectacular shows for the past 4 decades. To put

on an Academy Award type production by a group of volunteers is an awesome task. You can imagine how many hours

and the energy it entails, so it is understandable the Chi Am ladies only present these productions every 5 or so years. It

was announced by Co-Presidents Sylvia Eng and Teddy Sue that the Golden Legacy was a team effort of over three

quarters of the membership working together with the goal to raise $200,000 net to fund chosen worthy projects. And

ladies, we succeeded with flying colors.

Besides drawing the community together to support wonderful causes, the club chose local role models to show case

and honor. Former Saratoga Mayor Emily Lo was lauded for her community work while her husband, Netgear Founder

and CEO Patrick Lo was applauded for his stand on gender equality in the workplace. Chef Lawrence Chu was honored

for his continuous 45 years of excellence for fine cuisine at his Chef Chu restaurant, while Deloitte & Touche partner

Anna Mok was applauded for her community participation as the first Asian woman president of the Commonwealth

Club.

What makes an event stand out in everyone’s memory? Why will 2015 Golden Legacy always be a cherished memory

for Chi Am members?

J.. Perhaps it is because it successfully raised exceptional funding for such good causes as the AACI Asian Women’s

Home for victims of domestic violence, The Nest, a shelter for young teen victims of human trafficking, and Chi Am

Circle’s own annual scholarship program for needy and worthy students based on merit and/or need. Perhaps it is

because it honored not only community and business heroes, but it also acknowledged its own founders who had a

vision to bring together Asian American newcomers to the community and direct them to community service. Honored

for their 50 year loyalty and dedication to their Chi Am Circle were Frances Quon, Muriel Kao, Ruby Fong, Rose Tang,

Buddie Quong, Betty Young and Gerrye Wong. Alongside the original founders were Charter Members who also joined

Chi Am Circle in its initial year, 1965, and have continued to support its many activities. They were Gloria Hom,

Barbara Why, Aimee Leung, Carolyn Jow, Helen Chew and Pearl Lee. �� Con’t

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Congratulations to Chi-Am to a successful event! My daughter Adrienne enjoyed the catwalk. The fashion

show was well done, kudos to you all! - Vicky Wong

To all the Chi-Am ladies . . . who dedicate their hearts and time to the Asian community and tremendous dedication to helping others! The day was indeed memorable and very well organized. - Elayna Tami Wong With your dynamic leadership, stewardship, vision, and charisma the 50th Anniversary was a tremendously successful endeavor. The luncheon committee was top notch! WOW, WOW, WOW! Congratulations! - Sharon Seto

It was special ...To be a part of a stellar event that raises funds for such important causes ...To enjoy celebrating together the accomplishments of an incredible group of women ... To hear the applause to our runway fashions ... To have had a few laughs together over the stresses ... To have made a wonderful, treasured new friend Sincerest congratulations, well done!!! - Nancy Lueck, Bloomingdale’s Great pictures! Again congratulations on superlative efforts on behalf of such worthy causes. Chi Am

Circle rocks! - Nancy

JPerhaps it is because it captured the support of many citizens in the community who were inspired to help these hard

working women with their drive to fundraise for worthy causes. Special kudos should go to generous supporters Ted and

Doris Lee, Callison Foundation, George Ow Jr., Douglas Ho, Judson Chu Family, Beatriz Mar Family, Victor Marmol,

AACI, May Bakken, Anita Chan, Equilar, Eustace-Kwan Charitable Fund, Dr Jerry Hiura & Lucia Cha, Eva Jones, Jeff

Kwong, George & Helen Leong, Lo Charitable Fund, and Bert and Barbara Why.

JPerhaps because it bonded three generations to work together in mutual respect and diligence to show the community

at large what a vibrant and active group of Asian women can produce and present. The Golden Legacy of Chi Am Circle

proved that 100 active women can make time for family and work responsibilities while maintaining a thriving organiza-

tion destined to serve the community in a circle of fellowship and common bonding for 50 years.

As proud members of Chi Am, we salute the ladies of Chi Am Circle now in 2015 and wish them success in the next 50

years of fun, fellowship and dedication to community needs. We would like to thank all the other Fashion Show co-

chairs, Sylvia Eng, Helen Yamauchi, Muriel Kao, Bev Harada, Pearl Lee, and Ellen Lau and to each and every Chi Am

member, family member and friend who helped make the 50th Anniversary/Fashion Show celebration an overwhelming

success. Want to view and have a keepsake of this memorable event? You will get to see the highlights again on DVD

soon. In the meantime, pictures tell more than a thousand wordsJ.so here are some cherished memories of a wonderful

50th Anniversary Celebration – A Golden Legacy!

By Gerrye Wong & Paulette Curby

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We are pleased to announce Chi Am charter member, Barbara Why was selected by

Self Help for the Elderly as a recipient of their Outstanding Volunteer award.

She will be honored at their annual gala fundraiser event on June 13, 2015.

Barbara has been an unsung hero and a champion for seniors since she joined Self Help in the early 1990’s and

has been involved in all aspects of programming and on the Board of the South Bay chapter. She is still active in

the Cupertino location teaching seniors in Citizenship and now in intermediate English every week for the past 10

years as a volunteer. The seniors appreciate her as a friend as well as a fantastic teacher.

Please contact Mabel Lai , Pearl Lee or Virginia Bakken if you are interested in supporting Barbara and the event.

Fashion Show Raffle Winners

Fashion Show Raffle Prizes Winner Fashion Show Raffle Prizes Winner

$1000 Cash Violet Lee Kitchen Aid Casserole & Serving Spoons Marcella Yano

Pearl & Jade Necklace Alvinia Sue Two Tickets NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying Race & Event & Four Passes to Sky High Sports, the Trampoline Place

Lisa Allen

One Night Stay at the Fairmont San Jose

Hotel Breakfast for 2 & $100 Dinner Certificate for The Grill/Fairmont

Alice Lombardo George Foreman Grill, Kitchen Set, and

Bottled Seasonings

D. Yamamoto

One Night Stay at the Fairmont San Jose

Hotel

Kari Cheng Two Chinese Hand Embroidered Pictures Phyllis Lee

Caroline Young Framed & Signed Print J. Tanaka Antique Hofbauer Crystal Bowl & Spreader Set

Shelley Kwan

AARP RealPad Android Tablet Paulette Curby $50 Nordstrom Gift Card & $20 Le Boulanger Gift Card

Darlene Cueberston

Byington Vineyard and Winery Tour &

Tasting for 10

Lillian Wong Roaster w/Rack, Cutting Board, Glove & Potholder

Pat and Lana Wong

Monster N-Tune Headphone Set Edmond Mok Two Lenox Tea Light Lamps Peggy Wang

$100 Cash Helen Yamauchi Chinese Tea Pot Set and Chinese Serving Tray

Deborah Shiba

$100 Macy's Gift Card Olivia Chang Chinese Decorative Plate w/Stand &

Bracelet

Edmond Mok

$100 Eli Thomas Menswear Gift Card Wendy Zee Chinese Black & Gold Lacquer Tray & Two Signed Books: Chinese Yankee & Pie Biter

Sarah Lee

$100 Neiman Marcus Gift Card Teddy Sue Scarf, Bracelet, Hair Barrette and Card Ruth Lam

$50 California Kitchen Pizza Gift Card & 4 Miniature Golf Passes Beverly Rubin &

Golfland

Claudia Quon Elegant Oriental Glass Flower Arrangement Yee Yen Wang

Two Peninsula Symphony Concert Tickets Christine Lau One – hour massage Paul Char

$50 gift certificate to Fish Market Restaurant Beatrice Garbern

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Bingo! Chi Am has hit the Jackpot this year! Due to the continued generosity of many Chi Am members & friends, our Scholarship Sponsorship Fund is in excellent standing. Our Club will have mega bucks to distribute to deserving students at Scholarship Dinner on Wed. 5/13/15 at China Stix Restaurant.

Recent Donors to the Scholarship Fund are:

Anita Chan Yum W. Chi Dean and Wilma Chu Mae Ding Mae & Gilbert Fong Eric Godshalk Tomiko Hatsushi E.J. Hong Jennie Hong John & Muriel Kao Dr. Pam Jong Carolyn Jow Sharon Lai Alvin Lau Ellen Lau Gene & Violet Lee David Tu Coleen Lee-Wheat George Ow, Jr. Leslie & Pavel Radda Dr. David & Mrs. Elaine Shen Teddy Sue Ron Quan Jason Ting BofA Company Match Brian & Jocelyn Tu Jeff T. & Jennie Leung Lee and Google Company Match Frank Au-Yeung Judy Yang Betty Garbern

We are grateful to all the valued Scholarship Donors who partner with Chi Am to reach out into the community to strengthen its educational base and make a positive impact in Santa Clara County.

Helen Kwan and daughter Kathy Kwan have long been avid supporters of our Club's Scholarship mis-sion. The Kathy Kwan Matching Grant, which doubles all donations up to $500 per person, will end on April 15, 2015 -- but we will continue to accept Scholarship donations all year round.

Donations can be transacted in the following ways:

* Donate online at www.chiamcircle.org * Mail check made out to Chi Am Circle to: Cleo Jong 1901 Deodara Drive Los Altos, CA 94024

* Mail check made out to Chi Am Circle to: Chi Am Circle Scholarship P.O. Box 2756 Cupertino, CA 95014

All donations are fully tax deductible. Chi Am Circle is a known 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization with Tax ID #77-041316.

By Cleo Jong & Birdie Adema, Co-Chairs, Scholarship Sponsorship 2015

2015 CHI AM CIRCLE SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE

As many of you know, the most important task of the scholarship selection committee is to decide which of our applicants will receive a scholarship. However, after the difficult selection process, there are still many tasks to complete in order to put on a successful scholarship dinner such as:

• Write brief biographies of the scholarship recipients

• Write and send thank you notes to sponsors

• Prepare packets for scholarship recipients

If you are interested in any of these tasks, please contact Verna Wong at vrnwng2@gmail.com or

Lisa Liu at lisagliu@yahoo.com. It is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a Chi Am member.

AN AFTERNOON OF BOCCE BALL & CAMARADERIE

Saturday, April 25, 2015 ~ 3:45-5:30 pm Campo di Bocce ~ 565 University Ave ~ Los Gatos

Please join us for a fun afternoon at Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos. No experience necessary. We will just throw the ball and have a good laugh. An instructor will give a short demonstration on how to play the game. There will be 8-12 people playing on each court. Children, Grandchildren and significant others welcome! Co-president Sylvia Eng encourages members to give this game a try. She was skeptical when she was first invited to play. However, it turned out to be such fun that she suggested we add bocce ball to our 2015 Programs! We will form several teams; there will be some small prizes. How to Play Bocce:http://campodibocce.com/bocce/ For those interested, there will be a no host dinner at Campo di Bocce afterwards. RSVP: Grace at 650-450-0114 or gracehaig@gmail.com by April 10. Please indicate the number of people coming. Please contact Grace Haig if you need a ride. COST: $12.50 per person for 1.5 hours of game time. You may pay online at www.chiamcircle.org or mail a check payable to Chi Am Circle to Grace Haig, 2300 Deodora Drive, Los Altos CA 94024.

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American Cancer Society

Date: Saturday, June 13 2015

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Egan Junior High School

100 W Portola Ave, Los Altos

Chi Am Circle decided to support American Cancer Society by participating their annual event:

Relay for Life. Grace Haig registered a team under Chi Am Circle. You can either sign up

at http://www.chiamcircle.org/events.html#RELAY or contact Grace Haig at gracehaig@gmail.com

You may donate at any amount (on our website, specifying for Relay for Life, or send in a check written to

Chi Am Circle with a footnote for Relay for Life) or simply by showing up on the event date.

We will walk in the field of Egan Junior High School. The walk is very casual. One can walk as long/short as

she likes. We will have a table with our banner where we will give out water bottles and information on Chi

Am Circle. There will be a more detailed information regarding where to meet that morning.

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Horseback Ride & U-Pick Berry Picking

Family Fun at Webb Ranch in Portola Valley - Saturday, June 27th

Horseback instruction and ride: Arrive at the Lesson Office by 1:45 p.m.

to check in and get organized. Instruction and ride should conclude by 3:30 p.m.

Berry pickers can follow the same timeline as horseback riders.

Optional picnic on the Webb Ranch grounds between 12:00 -1:45 p.m.

Join us for a fun afternoon where both adults and children age 7 & above can share a wonderful

afternoon on horseback. For those who prefer a more agricultural experience, Webb Ranch

offers berry picking at U-Pick located on the ranch. Various seasonal berries will be available;

subject to the weather. A lawn area is available for you to bring a blanket & lunch.

Cost: 15 or more riders = $38/person; 7—14 riders = $42/person

Please reserve your spot and send payment ($38 per rider) to Chi Am Circle P. O. Box 2756 Cupertino,

CA 95014, or pay online from our website.

Look forward to more information in the upcoming newsletters!