
On June 10, Civil Aid Services (CAS) U.S.A. held its 18th Officer Inauguration Ceremony at the Joy Luck Palace restaurant in New York. The event recognized 14 distinguished individuals from various fields and introduced a new initiative to fund scholarships through an art auction. Attendees included notable figures such as New York State Supreme Court Justice Susan Quirk, New York State Assembly Member William Colton, and New York City Council Member Ari Kagan.
Art Auction for Scholarship Fundraising
This year’s event marked the first-ever art auction organized by CAS to raise funds for scholarships aimed at alleviating the financial burden of higher education for outstanding students from low-income families. Fourteen art pieces, created by children from the Mei Bei Art Academy, were auctioned for $50 each. The initiative, while modest in scale, carries significant meaning. CAS founder David Yang emphasized that the spirit behind the project surpasses the monetary contributions, reflecting the importance of community and artistic expression.
Art instructor Li Yi-Lei noted the children’s enthusiastic participation, with the works being the result of two months of preparation. While the funds may support only one or two students, the effort symbolizes a strong commitment to community support.
Highlighting Legislative Achievements: Lunar New Year Bill
During the event, Assembly Member William Colton shared the historic achievement of passing the Lunar New Year School Holiday Bill in New York State, making it the first state in the U.S. to designate Lunar New Year as an official public school holiday. The bill, co-sponsored by Colton and Grace Lee, passed unanimously in both houses of the state legislature and represents a milestone in recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans.
“This bill honors the rich traditions of Asian families and acknowledges their growing presence and impact in our community,” said Colton. He also credited his Chief of Staff, Susan Zhuang, for her instrumental role in advancing the legislation. Zhuang led a statewide campaign that gathered over 7,000 petition signatures and organized rallies in cities like New York, Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo. She described the bill as a symbol of recognition for Asian Americans’ contributions to the U.S., beyond just a holiday celebration.
CAS’s Mission and Growth
David Yang, the founder and Executive Director of CAS U.S.A., shared the organization’s roots, inspired by the Civil Aid Services in Hong Kong. CAS U.S.A. was established in 2005 to enhance community safety and provide emergency relief. With strong support from Chinese communities nationwide, the organization has grown to include over 500 members.
Amid rising gun violence and hate crimes, CAS plans to expand its services in areas with large Asian populations to bolster community safety, engage in rescue missions, and provide comprehensive assistance to new immigrants and local residents.
Recognizing Outstanding Community Leaders
As part of the celebration, CAS honored 14 exceptional individuals for their contributions to the community. This year’s honorees included:
- Susan Quirk, New York State Supreme Court Justice
- William Colton, New York State Assembly Member and CAS Commissioner
- Susan Zhuang, former NYC Department for the Aging Deputy Commissioner and NYC Council candidate
- Ho Gong-Ching and Chen Zhi-Nian, Co-Presidents of Bakong Yan Charity
The event underscored CAS U.S.A.’s dedication to fostering community spirit, recognizing excellence, and addressing critical needs through innovative initiatives and collaborative efforts.
REFERENCE : SINOVISION