by Kent Jennings Brockwell
Staff Writer
Three local Asian-American professional societies are working together to raise money for victims of December’s tsunami in Southeast Asia.
Members of the Jacksonville Asian-American Bar Association, the Mayor’s Asian-American Advisory Board and the First Coast Asian Chamber of Commerce are planning a March 4 event to help a charity that is directly involved with tsunami relief efforts.
Though the charity has not been named yet, attorney Thuy-Anh Nguyen, vice president of the Jacksonville Asian-American Bar Association and chairwoman of the Mayor’s Asian-American Advisory Board, said this is an effort for Jacksonville’s Asian-Americans to reach out and help fellow Asians in need.
“There have been so many Asians affected over there,” Nguyen said. “As Asians, we wanted to be able to help them during this troubled time.”
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid attorney Maria Aguila, founder and current president of the Jacksonville Asian-American Bar Association, said the
different Asian organizations independently started discussing ways to raise money for the victims, but recently came together to create this
fund-raiser.
“We started having discussions on what we could do to raise money for the tsunami victims right after it happened,” Aguila said. “We just felt it was our obligation, not just as Asians, but as human beings. When we see natural disasters that hit on this massive level of destruction, we feel it is our obligation to help.”
Aguila, a Filipino, said even though her country was not directly affected by the tsunami, she understands the devastation and the after effects that result from such a storm. She said her country has experienced many floods and monsoons in the past and Filipinos like herself can commiserate with the destruction and heightened level of disease that affects a country after such a disaster.
“We certainly understand,” she said, “It is close to home.”
Nguyen said the event will include several types of Asian food as well as Karaoke. Besides the $20 admission , fund-raising efforts will include a silent auction and different raffles.
Nguyen said the silent auction will include several different hospitality packages from a round of golf for four to a night’s stay at an area resort hotel. Raffle items will include items like gift cards and restaurant certificates,
she said.
Aguila said besides raising money for tsunami victims, the event will offer guests a chance to experience a taste of Asian culture and cuisine. Besides the catered Asian food being brought in, she said several of the organizers will be bringing different home cooked dishes from their native countries.
“People at the event can expect to try different kinds of homemade, fresh Asian food that evening,” Aguila said.
She said the organizations have set individual goals for their fund-raising efforts. The Jacksonville Asian-American Bar Association has set a goal of $1,000, Aguila said, but she hopes all of the Asian organizations greatly surpass their marks.
“Since it is a combined effort, I hope we will exceed that,” she said.
For more information call Nguyen at 733-1499.