Asian foundation introduces plans for an all-inclusive community center
The Asian American Heritage Foundation (AAHF) held its annual Heritage Month Gala at the Hyatt Regency on May 16, 2009. The event brought together Atlanta’s diverse Asian communities, where the Foundation introduced its plans for a common community center.
Amongst the dignitaries present were Lt. General David Poythress (Candidate for governor of Georgia in the upcoming elections), Ms. Lisa Borders (Candidate for Atlanta Mayor), Hae-Jin Chun, Consul General, Korean Consulate-Atlanta, Kimberly Gittings,
Ms Georgia USA 2009, and Gretchen Corbin of the GA Economic Development Agency.
The masters of ceremonies for the evening were Chris Horace of The Coca-Cola Co. and Valerie Nesbitt of Delta Airlines. Thanks to their control the program began and ended on time.
Lisa Borders read the proclamation that was passed unanimously by the Atlanta City Council. The gala brochure included proclamations made by President Barack Obama and Governor Sonny Perdue, and a Phoenix Award presented to the AAHF by Mayor Shirley Franklin.
The community center will cater to Asians, the third fastest growing community in Georgia, according the U.S. Census. Many of the plans within the center include counselor services such as tax preparation, immigration concerns, teaching English as a second language, job training for women, and more. The community center will keep up to its promises with a board with one representative from each country in Asia to develop a common caucus.
However, with the fragile economy, the foundation’s most difficult task is to raise seed money to launch the center. The 400-person event was focused on the community center as sponsors were reminded that with their help and support, the much-needed center could open soon.
Emphasizing the idea of inclusiveness, the evening had entertainment that included The Korean-American School of Atlanta’s Children’s Choir who enchanted the audience with well-known songs, Classical Bharat Natyam dance by the disciples of the Tandav Themes Dance Academy, a traditional Chinese Music presentation, a demonstration of the Shaolin Kung Fu, a Chinese Fan Dance, a Korean Drum solo and more.
“We are really looking forward to forming a partnership with the organizations for the Asian community center that will take care of the whole Asian community” said Ani Agnihotri, President of the Asian American Heritage Foundation.
The program concluded with a raffle draw by Kimberly Gittings, followed by the Heritage Foundation Awards. For more information on the Asian American Heritage Foundation, please visit asianheritage.org
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