After an eight course meal outgoing President Alan Chen reviewed the year’s accomplishments, highlighting the City’s first Lunar New Year Festival at Lacy Park that drew over 4,000 people. The Club also set up an endowment fund and focused internally to clarify short term and long term goals, revamp bylaws and increase efficiency. He thanked retiring board members Jenny Chiang, Erica Chiang, Kristy Ho and Tim Wong for their service.
Incoming President Se-Yao Hsu introduced his new Board and vowed to continue the club’s mission of cultural exchange, educational development and community service.
Patrons were entertained by 10 year old Ivy Gao’s Peking Opera performance followed by Glow Dance Company’s performance and two traditional Chinese Fan dances, one by the Chinese school children and one led by long time member Johnson Shyong. MAF Chairwoman Sherry Wuu led a dance by a group of dignitaries, which included San Marino Council woman Gretchen Shepherd Romey, Huntington Middle School Principal Mary Hazlett, City Club President Kaili Chang, City Community Services Director, Cathi Johnson and Historical Society President, Christa Lakon. The dance theme continued later with Luyi Khasi and the four PTA School Presidents doing a Barbie dance and Sherry Wuu leading the crowd in a line dance.
There was a special presentation of donations of $10,000 dollars each to the San Marino Police and Fire Departments. Silent auction, live auction and a raffle were then held to raise funds that will be disbursed in 2024. Local resident Zillah Tobiano won the $4550 raffle grand prize but decided to donate her prize.
In 2023 so far, 30 groups including the San Marino Schools Foundation have received $58,250.
