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2015 ~ Chi Am Circle’s
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
Celebrating 50 years of community service and sisterhood
FEBRUARY 2015 NEWSLETTER
Presidents’ Message
information can be found in this newsletter.
Our upcoming 50th Anniversary fashion show luncheon,
‘A Golden Legacy’, will be held on Saturday, March
21st. This has been the focus of most Chi Am
members. The success of this fashion show luncheon
will fund our Scholarship Program for the next 4-5
years. Also, proceeds will benefit ‘The Nest’ and the
AACI Asian Women’s Home. ‘A Golden Legacy’ cochairs and their committees are intent on making this
fund-raiser an event to remember. We encourage all
members to support Chi Am by becoming a fashion
show Sponsor, solicit ads, sell raffle tickets, donate
auction items, and, most importantly, attend the fashion
Our 2015 Program Co-chairs, Helen Yamauchi and
show luncheon. With everyone’s participation, we are
Grace Haig, have a variety of new activities planned; is hoping to raise $200,000. More information can be
anyone up for a game of Bocce Ball? Read what they found on our website www.chiamcircle.org.
propose, and if you haven’t yet signed up for an
To celebrate the 45th Anniversary of his restaurant and
activity, now is your chance. We encourage every
Chi Am’s 50th Golden Anniversary, Lawrence Chu
member to participate in at least one activity during the
hosted a dinner on January 31st at Chef Chu’s in Los
year. This allows everyone a chance to get to know
Altos for 100 members and friends. This incentive
each other better and have fun at the same time. Our
assisted in raising $25,000 for Chi Am Circle’s Service
next event, Taste ‘n’ Tell, will be held Saturday, Feb.
and Scholarship Funds. Thank you to Maria L., Eva
21, 2015, at Lord’s Grace Christian Church located at
W., and Alice L. in assisting Sylvia in the preparation
1101 San Antonio Road in Mountain View. You won’t
for this dinner and to Helen Y for taking pictures at the
want to miss this annual culinary favorite. Further
dinner.
information is in the newsletter.
Chi Am’s signature Scholarship Program is ramping up On behalf of the 2015 Board of Directors, we ask for
soon and will culminate with the Scholarship Dinner in your active participation and input in helping launch Chi
Am Circle’s second 50 years. We look forward to
May. Behind the awards to deserving high school
at all Chi Am events and most
students is a lot of dedicated effort and hard work. You seeing our members
th
especially
at
our
50
Anniversary Fashion Show
can make a contribution to our Scholarship Program as
Benefit Luncheon – ‘A Golden Legacy’.
a financial supporter of the Circle of Sponsors, as a
We are on a roll! Chi Am is buzzing with activity and
energy, and it’s an exciting place to be. This year’s
Board consists of 19 officers; six (6) have been
members less than three years. All worked hard to
make this year’s first event, The Membership Tea, an
overwhelming success. Membership Chair, Maria Lu,
opened up her beautiful home where over 70 women
enjoyed food, fellowship, a Fashion Show update, and
a chance to recognize our founders and charter
members. We welcomed eight new members. Read
about them in Maria’s article later in this newsletter.
volunteer on the Scholarship Selection Committee, and
working on the Scholarship Dinner Committee. More
T eddy and Sylvia
Inside this Issue
P1 - President’s Message
P8 - Service & Scholarship Sponsorship Svc
P2 - 2015 Chi Am Program
P9 - Make a Donation
P3 - Chi Am Models in the Spotlight
P10 - Membership Tea
P4 - Fashion Show Live Auction
P11 - Membership Tea Pictures
P5 - Chi Am stars on KTSF & DINGDING TV
P12 - Chief Chu Fun Raising Event
P6 - Taste 'N Tell & Hakone Festival
P13 - Article Submission Information
P7 - Bocce Ball & Camaraderie / Newsletters Mailing
2015 CHI AM PROGRAMS
(February—
(February—April)
TASTE AND TELL
Date:
Time:
Location:
Saturday, February 21, 2015
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Lord’s Grace Christian Church
1101 San Antonio Road, Mt. View, CA 94043
LUNAR NEW YEAR HAKONE FESTIVAL—YEAR OF THE RAM
Date:
Time:
Location:
Sunday, March 1, 2015
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Hakone Gardens, 21000 Big Basin way, Saratoga, CA
GOLDEN LEGACY FASHION SHOW BENEFIT LUNCHEON
Date:
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Location:
Fairmont San Jose Hotel, 170 S Market St, San Jose
Registration; Silent Auction; Raffle Sales
Time:
10:30 a.m.
Welcome and Lunch; Program
11:45 a.m.
1:15 p.m.
Fashion Show Begins
AN AFTERNOON OF BOCCE BALL & CAMARADERIE
Date:
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Time:
2:30 - 4:00 pm
Location:
Campo di Bocce, 565 University Ave, Los Gatos
If you have any ideas for fun events or outings, or If you already know on which committees
you would like to serve, please feel free to contact either Grace Haig or Helen Yamauchi
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Chi Am Models in the Spotlight
Bouquets to the over 50 models who themselves have brought tremendous support by
buying or selling over 600 tickets already to this gala celebration event to support three
causes for Asian American youth and families. Rallying around Chi Am Circle are fellow
community organizations sending representatives to model in the show. Community
representatives include Sarah Chew – OCA-SM, Cindy Iwamura – San Jose Buddhist
Church Betsuin, Kelli Martines – Yu-Ai Kai, Brenda Wong – Chinese Historical and
Cultural Project (CHCP), Kristi Yamaguchi, 2009 Honoree and Always Dream Foundation,
Tony Spitaleri – former Sunnyvale Mayor, Limin Hu and Jennifer Li – Friends of Children
with Special Needs, Ash Kalra – San Jose City Council, Diana Ding – DingDingTV, Gilbert
Wong – Cupertino City Council, Kai Ying “Pinki” Fung – Asian Americans for Community
Involvement (AACI), and Keats Iwanaga – Contemporary Asian Theatre Scene (CATS).
Chi Am Circle throughout its 50 year history has been known for presenting outstanding
fashion show productions which brings the community together to support its ongoing
annual scholarship program as well as other worthy projects chosen as joint beneficiaries
of the proceeds from the event. In 2009 over $100,000 supported Friends of Children with
Special Needs Santa Clara Country programs and Chi Am Circle Scholarship Service
Fund.
It is heartwarming to see Chi Am Circle members’ family members join the parade of
models who will be showing off fashions from Bloomingdale’s Stanford, Stuarts Apparel of
Los Altos, Tsu.ya sportswear by Kristi Yamaguchi and Dottie Doolittle Children’s wear. I
welcome one and all to come and applaud the Chi Am Circle family models including
grandchildren Lauren Chew, Destiny Lee, Emma Chew, Mason Eng, Archer Bakken,
Jayden Kwong, Vanessa Lai, Megan Wong, and Braden Wong. Family of Chi Am
members walking the runway will be Janet Choy, Amanda Quon, Roger Eng Jr., Jeff
Kwong, Cheryl Fong, Renee Mark, Brittany Toda, Carolyn Tom, Elayna Tami Wong and
Liane Yu.
Come cheer on our Chi Am Circle family models and friends for a great afternoon for fun
and fundraising. Remember our goal is to achieve $200,000 for community causes. Help
us make that goal by coming and bringing your friends, selling all your raffle tickets and
asking for more, and putting in a business or congratulatory advertisement in our souvenir
program booklet. We welcome sponsorship donations from $1 – $25,000 and it takes a
village of Chi Am Circle women and their network of family, friends, and organizations to
achieve that goal.
Get your tickets now to the Luncheon/Fashion Show. Feel free to put the names of friends
with whom you’d like to sit. You can purchase your tickets on-line at www.chiamcircle.org/
fashion show and view other Fashion Show information. We look forward to seeing you
there!!
By Gerrye Wong & Paulette Curby
FASHION SHOW LIVE AUCTION
A sneak peek . . . . . .
The March 21 Fashion Show is just around the corner and we’re gearing up for a fabulous live
auction. Round up family and friends and bid on one of these special packages . . . .
Dancing with the Stars
2 VIP tickets to a LIVE taping in Los Angeles
An overnight stay at the Los Angeles Hilton
Breakfast for 2
$250 travel allowance
A possible photo with one of the stars ???
Value: priceless
Opening bid: $1,500
Las Vegas here we come!
2 night stay for two @ the Venetian or the Palazzo, with VIP check in
Dinnerfor 2 at Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio Restaurant
2 tickets to “Rock of Ages” or “Human Nature, the Motown Show”
2 tickets to Madame Tussard’s Wax Museum
Gondola ride for 2 on the Venetian’s “Grand Canal”
Value: $1,200
Opening bid: $800
Wine & Dine
gather friends and family for a leisurely day in Santa Rosa enjoying wine, food, good company
and the beautiful landscape of Marin County
A cocktail reception
An exclusive tour of a private winery
A unique “hot pot” dinner for 20 in an upscale private home
Value: $3,000
Opening bid: $1,800
A Bloomie’s original
Take home an original, hand painted, porcelain FRANZ vase.
This unique ceramic masterpiece is part of the Bloomingdale Gallery collection.
Value: $1,000
Opening bid: $800
Singapore cuisine
Delight in a savory Southeast Asian meal for 20 at the Merlion Restaurant & Bar in Cupertino.
A 12 course meal complete with wine. The menu includes an assortment of appetizers, soup,
expertly prepared mussels, prawns, fish, chicken, beef, lamb, house-made tofu, noodles and
specialty rice. . . and let’s not forget the veggies!
Value: $800
Opening bid: $600
Chi Am stars on KTSF and DINGDING TV online
Chi Am members graced the television screens via KTSF’s Mandarin Journal with
reporter Mina Li to tell viewers about the 50 year history of Chi Am Circle and the
worthwhile causes they support. Panelists were Mandarin speakers Mabel Lai, Cynthia
Chang, Emily Lo and Ellen Lau. The following week DingDing Online TV screened an
interview by Diana Ding with Chi Am members, also discussing the upcoming 50th
anniversary celebration event.
English speakers were Sylvia Eng, Paulette Curby and Gerrye Wong, while Chinese
language members on screen were Jenny Leung, Mabel Lai and Emily Lo. Good work,
Chi Am stars.
It will be an exciting afternoon seeing fine fashions and rooting for the volunteers who are
giving of their time to be in Chi Am Circle’s fundraising benefit fashion show. Get your
reservations in now at www.chiamcircle.org. – they are going fast!
Have you been a member of Chi Am Circle
since its inception in 1965
As you all know, Chi Am was conceived by ten women in 1965. Those members
are the ladies who attended the first Club meeting. There are other current
members who joined Chi Am in 1965, nearly 50 years ago, and are still active members today. As
we near our 50th anniversary in 2015, we would like to recognize these “Charter” members as they
have been an integral part of our organization.
Currently, Aimee Leung, Pearl Lee, Carolyn Jow, Barbara Why, Helen Chew and Gloria Hom fall
into our Charter member category. If you are one of these early members, would you please
contact Sylvia Eng.
Page 5
TASTE ‘N TELL
Saturday, February 21, 2015 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Lord’s Grace Christian Church
1101 San Antonio Road, Mt. View
Celebrate Chinese new year with Chi Am sisters! Join us for our annual tradition where we come together to
enjoy each others company and share our favorite dishes.
Chi Am Ladies: We would like to encourage you to bring the following:
If your LAST Name starts from A to M: Bring a fish, vegetarian or tofu dish
If your LAST Name starts from N to Z: Bring a poultry, beef, or pork dish
The committee will be supplying DESSERTS.
A photographer will be available to take pictures of new members for our directory.
Chair: Virginia Bakken
Lunar New Year Hakone Festival Year of the Ram
Sunday, March 1, 2015, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Hakone Gardens, 21000 Big Basin way, Saratoga, CA - www.Hakone.us
Note:
Note There will be an entrance fee that includes a buffet lunch served
by our Chi Am Ladies.
Chi Am is helping out with Hakone's Lunar New Year. Come out and join in the festivities: The
Far East Dragon Lion Dance, Children's Lunar Costume Parade, Shaolin Shaolin Gung Fu,
Saratoga Tai Chi, Yao Yang Dance Group, Children's Crafts and more! Purchase a Dim Sum
Lunch or visit the dessert food truck and stroll the gardens. There will be raffle prizes too!
Chair: Bev Harada
Committee: Helen Yamauchi, Lari Yamaguchi, Carolyn Jow, Margarite Lee, Wanda Ching,
Ginger Lai, Kathy Tjader, Paulette Curby, Mariany Ramli, Sharon Lai, Teddy Sue
If you'd like to volunteer to help, please contact Bev Harada at [email protected] or (408)
314-2864.
Page 6
AN AFTERNOON OF BOCCE BALL & CAMARADERIE
Saturday, April 25, 2015
2;45 - 4:30 pm
Campo di Bocce
565 University Ave, Los Gatos 95032
Please join us for a fun afternoon at Campo di Bocce in Los Gatos. It's a very casual game since
none of us cares about the scoring. 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 812 people playing on each court. Children, Grandchildren and significant others welcome!
For those interested, an early dinner can be arranged afterwards, most likely at Camp di Bocce
since several sources have recommended it. Please contact Grace Haig if you need a ride.
Fee:
$12.50 per person for 1.5 hours of game time
RSVP:
Grace at 650-450-0114 or [email protected] by March 25.
Please indicate the number of people coming. Please note that once you commit to it,
there will be no refund.
Chi Am Newsletter Mailings
In 2014, we had some members who ordered a hard copy of the newsletter sent to them each month.
They paid $15 a year to cover the cost of printing and mailing.
Last year, we inconsistently sent out printed copies of the newsletter. Some months some subscribers did not get their printed copies. We apologize for the inconvenience and would like to remedy
that situation by offering to 2014 hard copy subscribers another full year of printed newsletter for an
additional cost of $5 for a 2015 subscription. So for an extra $5, they will receive all 2015 newsletters
at their mailing address.
If you are among this group of members, please send your payment to Chi Am Circle, PO Box 2756,
Cupertino, CA 95014. Please note that it is for 2015 newsletter mailings.
For any new subscribers desiring printed copies, the rate has increased to $20 per year.
Page 7
SERVICE & SCHOLARSHIP
SPONSORSHIP 2014
Year 2015 is starting out with a big bang for Chi Am Circle's Service and Scholarship
Funds!! Due to the generous spirit of donors who have supported our Service Fund and
our Scholarship Fund, our Service coffers have grown and will allow Chi Am to continue
its many community service projects. We wish to express a note of
gratitude and thank all these generous donors, many of whom are continuing
supporters.
Donors to Chi Am's Service Fund:
Mabel Lai, Barbara Why, Emily Lo, Vicky Wong, Muriel Kao,
Howard/Pat Lum, Lane/Pauline Lee, Ancilla Kwok, Evelyn Ting, Susan S. Lee
Donors to Chi Am's Scholarship Fund:
Roger/Sylvia Eng, Anne Chow Memorial Fund, Bev Harada, Sherwood Kwong,
Lily Chinn, Aurora Louie, Cleo Jong, Cynthia Lee, Antonia Tu, Kathy Kwan,
Eva Jones, Diana Chan, Annette Tan, Teresa Lin, Deborah Pao, Eppie Lam,
Janet Wang, Joyce Shen, Cecilia Lee, Vera Koo, Eva Jones, Don/Rose Tang,
Eva Wong, Gerrye Wong, Helen Yamauchi, Jason Ting + BofA employer
match, William/Lisa G. Liu, Maria Lu, Jeff/Susan L. Lee, Paulette Curby,
Frank/Pearl Lee, Rockwell/Monica Eng, Bruce/Rose Low, Don/Rose Tang,
Rose Tsai, Tom/Joanne Tanabe, Vince/Zeny Seid, Pauline Fong,
Susan S. Lee, Maxine Yee
We continue to receive donations all year round. Kindly consider a donation via one of
the options below:
•
•
•
Transact via online at www.chiamcircle.org
Mail your check to Cleo Jong, 1901 Deodara Drive, Los Altos, CA 94024
Mail to Chi Am Circle, P.O.Box 2756,Cupertino, CA 95014.
Note that the Kathy Kwan Matching Grant will match and double all donations up to
$500. All donations are fully tax deductible -- partner with Chi Am to make a
difference in our community!
By Cleo Jong and Birdie Adema, Co-Chairs, Chi Am Sponsorship 2015
Page 8
25,000!
Page 9
Membership Tea
Kick off 2015!
Our 2015 Membership Tea on Sunday, January 18 hosted by the Board was a special affair! Maria
Lu, first VP of Membership, opened her spacious and beautiful home in Los Altos to 78 members
and their guests. (plus one brave husband of Zeny Seid – Vincent).
While enjoying an array of delicious tea sandwiches, appetizers, fruit and vegetable salads, pasta,
sushi and other delectable, everyone happily caught up with friends and met new ones too.
During the general meeting, Program Chairs, Helen Yamauchi and Grace Haig, introduced
members to the years’ planned programs and events. Many members eagerly signed up for the
various committees and look forward to a variety of events geared to our diverse membership.
We are very excited to add to our sisterhood with eight new members. Please welcome: Alice Chi,
Monica Eng, Helen Leong, Ioana Naum, Laura Ah Tye, Kathy Tjader, Grace Wu, and Carol Yiu!
Page 10
Page 11
AN ELEGANT CELEBRATION OF TWO ANNIVERSARIES
2015-- Year of the Sheep, is a very special one for both Chi Am Circle and Chef Chu Restaurant! On
Saturday, January 31st, Chi Am Circle and Chef Chu Restaurant respectively celebrated their 50th and 45th
anniversaries with a special, elegant dinner at Chef Chu’s Restaurant in Los Altos. Lawrence Chu,
famous for his fine culinary skills, donated the food and wine and treated 100 guests to a memorable
gourmet dinner.
On the menu were a number of spectacular dishes such as braised whole abalone, grilled boneless quail,
half Maine lobster, wok-seared rack of lamb, and BBQ Chilean sea bass. The unique dishes were
masterfully presented and tantalized the taste buds confirming the magic touch that Lawrence Chu has
cultivated over the years.
Thanks to Chef Chu’s generosity, $25,000 was raised and added to Chi Am's coffers--Chi Am's Service
Fund and Scholarship Fund.
.
All the kind and generous attendees who enjoyed Chef Chu's dinner left with satisfied tummies and happy
memories of an exemplary meal. Chi Am thanks Lawrence and his wife, Ruth for their generous
contributions to our organization and our community!
Page 12
Newsletter Submissions
The deadline for Chi Am event flyers or Chi Am related articles for our newsletter is the 28th of the
month for inclusion in the next month’s newsletter. Please submit your articles in Word and your
flyers in BOTH Word and PDF. We need to have the ability to edit your flyer if we need to make
any changes. Please be sure both newsletter editors Rose Low ([email protected]) and
Wendy Tsoi ([email protected]) are copied on your newsletter input.
GUIDELINES FOR PUBLISHING AND ADVERTISING IN CHI AM’S NEWSLETTER
Please follow the guidelines below for submitting your Chi Am related articles and/or flyers for
publishing in the newsletter:
Use Arial font, headings can be font size 12-16
• Text should be in font size, 10, 11 or 12
• For flyers, submit in both Word and PDF formats
• For articles, submit in Microsoft word
•
For-profit groups or for business related events, we accept advertising material in the newsletter.
This newsletter is delivered via email to over 100 Chi Am members each month. It is also available
for download from our website. Our website averages 1100+ hits per month.
Ad size
Per month
Six months
One Year
Two Years
1/8 pg (business car size)
$10
$50
$100
$180
1/4 page
$15
$60
$100
$160
1/2 page
$25
$130
$200
$300
3/4 page
$35
$200
$350
$450
Full page
$40
$250
$400
$600
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