2017 Fundraising Event
Dear Sir or Madam,
At the end of August, when the THSH team was immersed in preparations for this year’s fundraising dinner, Hurricane Harvey hit. The THSH team immediately dropped everything on hand and assembled a storm recovery team, created a Facebook page to provide and translate information regarding insurance, law, recovery and assistance, etc., as well as scheduled recovery teams to go to storm victims’ homes to assist in cleanup and recovery. We saw the recovery team made up primarily by the Taiwanese School, under the leadership of the principal, tirelessly help to clean up the flooded homes of Taiwanese American community members every weekend after the flood. Other volunteers proactively called members of THSH to inquire after their well-being, fearing we may miss any members who suffered damage in the storm. These experiences allowed us to understand that the TCC is not just our home, it is a shelter where everyone helps each other in the face of hardship. This let us even more deeply feel a sense of responsibility knowing the importance of the TCC.
In the past year, the THSH lecture series has hosted 28 fun and enlightening lectures. The topics have covered subjects such as disaster prevention, biology, gardening, health and health care, law, modern technology, environmental protection, and handicrafts. We will continue to survey topics of interest among our members and invite even more experts to give talks. In terms of cultural activities, we have already begun planning a large-scale concert to celebrate Taiwanese Heritage Week in September next year. Also, due to their successful performances at the Taiwan Night Market and Asia Society, the THSH glove puppetry group has received invitations for outside performances. Starting next year, they will be bringing their colorful stages and lively stories full of Taiwanese flair to the greater public.
One year after the launch of our electronic newsletter, we have learned that this electronic newsletter is an important medium to build a relationship and maintain contact with our members and potential members. It raises awareness and understanding of our organization and its activities and services. To expand THSH’s reach and allow second generation Taiwanese Americans to conveniently receive information about THSH, we started publishing an English version of the newsletter in September. In the new year, we will be hiring professional graphic designers, editors, and social media personnel to market THSH to mainstream society via electronic media.
Houston is often called America’s most diverse city, which coincides with the diversity of Taiwan’s culture. Social good and justice have always been our values, and from now on we would like to add “diversity” and “openness” as core values to echo mainstream values in society. We will begin sharing experiences and ideas with other Taiwanese centers in North America that are of a similar nature to ours. We will also expand beyond the Taiwanese Community Center and cooperate with other ethnic community groups and city government agencies with similar missions to actively engage in community service and fully realize our social responsibility. For example, after the recent flooding, in addition to assisting victims and giving consolation funds, in the spirit of contributing to society and caring for our fellow compatriots, THSH, together with the Los Angeles and San Diego Taiwanese Centers and the Taiwanese Chorus of Greater Houston, will donate almost USD $70,000 to Houston city government’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.
Past success is hard to replicate. In the past year, the THSH team has confirmed through humble observation and learning, brave attempts, and determined execution, that only by continued innovation and adaptation can we ensure organization continuity. We need your support to achieve our shared missions. We will use your donations in the most effective way possible, and welcome your suggestions. We hope that you will join us, and together, let us create a Taiwanese American influence that no one can deny.
Wen-Yuan Hsiao
Chairman of the Board
At the end of August, when the THSH team was immersed in preparations for this year’s fundraising dinner, Hurricane Harvey hit. The THSH team immediately dropped everything on hand and assembled a storm recovery team, created a Facebook page to provide and translate information regarding insurance, law, recovery and assistance, etc., as well as scheduled recovery teams to go to storm victims’ homes to assist in cleanup and recovery. We saw the recovery team made up primarily by the Taiwanese School, under the leadership of the principal, tirelessly help to clean up the flooded homes of Taiwanese American community members every weekend after the flood. Other volunteers proactively called members of THSH to inquire after their well-being, fearing we may miss any members who suffered damage in the storm. These experiences allowed us to understand that the TCC is not just our home, it is a shelter where everyone helps each other in the face of hardship. This let us even more deeply feel a sense of responsibility knowing the importance of the TCC.
In the past year, the THSH lecture series has hosted 28 fun and enlightening lectures. The topics have covered subjects such as disaster prevention, biology, gardening, health and health care, law, modern technology, environmental protection, and handicrafts. We will continue to survey topics of interest among our members and invite even more experts to give talks. In terms of cultural activities, we have already begun planning a large-scale concert to celebrate Taiwanese Heritage Week in September next year. Also, due to their successful performances at the Taiwan Night Market and Asia Society, the THSH glove puppetry group has received invitations for outside performances. Starting next year, they will be bringing their colorful stages and lively stories full of Taiwanese flair to the greater public.
One year after the launch of our electronic newsletter, we have learned that this electronic newsletter is an important medium to build a relationship and maintain contact with our members and potential members. It raises awareness and understanding of our organization and its activities and services. To expand THSH’s reach and allow second generation Taiwanese Americans to conveniently receive information about THSH, we started publishing an English version of the newsletter in September. In the new year, we will be hiring professional graphic designers, editors, and social media personnel to market THSH to mainstream society via electronic media.
Houston is often called America’s most diverse city, which coincides with the diversity of Taiwan’s culture. Social good and justice have always been our values, and from now on we would like to add “diversity” and “openness” as core values to echo mainstream values in society. We will begin sharing experiences and ideas with other Taiwanese centers in North America that are of a similar nature to ours. We will also expand beyond the Taiwanese Community Center and cooperate with other ethnic community groups and city government agencies with similar missions to actively engage in community service and fully realize our social responsibility. For example, after the recent flooding, in addition to assisting victims and giving consolation funds, in the spirit of contributing to society and caring for our fellow compatriots, THSH, together with the Los Angeles and San Diego Taiwanese Centers and the Taiwanese Chorus of Greater Houston, will donate almost USD $70,000 to Houston city government’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.
Past success is hard to replicate. In the past year, the THSH team has confirmed through humble observation and learning, brave attempts, and determined execution, that only by continued innovation and adaptation can we ensure organization continuity. We need your support to achieve our shared missions. We will use your donations in the most effective way possible, and welcome your suggestions. We hope that you will join us, and together, let us create a Taiwanese American influence that no one can deny.
Wen-Yuan Hsiao
Chairman of the Board
Keynote Speech
Rediscover the Purpose and Action Plan for Taiwan's Participation in Global Health
November 11th this year, the Heritage Society is happy to announce Dr. Dau-Yaung Lu as our primary speaker. Dr. Lu was formally a member of the Pintung Christian Hospital medical corps. Before Taiwan broke off formal relations with Malawi, he served in Africa. Dr. Lu is also the former overseas liaison for the International Medical Corps, former health commissioner in Africa (Malawi and Swaziland), and former Taitung Health Bureau director.
At this year’s fundraising dinner, Dr. Lu’s topic of discussion is “Rediscover the purpose and action plan for Taiwan's Participation in Global Health”. This will be a forum of global vision with humanitarian care, so don’t miss this opportunity!
Donations for the fundraising event can be made in $50, $100, $200, $500, $1000, or any amount of your choosing. Registration deadline is 11/4/17. Here are different avenues to register and pledge:
1. Register and pledge online.
2. Upon receiving the THSH fundraising letter, fill in the number of attendees and meal preferences and send in your donation with a check payable to THSH in the self-addressed envelope enclosed in the letter.
3. Register at THSH@houston-taiwanese.org and specify the number of attendees, meal preferences, and donation amount. Turn in your donation to the front desk on the fundraising night.
4. Make your pledge to THSH board members, volunteers, or TCC manager.
5. Free admission for students. Please register at THSH@houston-taiwanese.org and identify yourself as "Student."
Following a long tradition, the names of those who donate $1,000 or more will grace the wall of the grand hallway at the Taiwanese Community Center (TCC). Also, your donation is tax-deductible and once submitted, an electronic receipt will be sent to you for your tax filing needs. For paper receipts, please ask at the front desk. If your employer provides matching funds, please use your benefit to double your donation. On behalf of THSH, we thank you for your participation and contribution.
At this year’s fundraising dinner, Dr. Lu’s topic of discussion is “Rediscover the purpose and action plan for Taiwan's Participation in Global Health”. This will be a forum of global vision with humanitarian care, so don’t miss this opportunity!
Donations for the fundraising event can be made in $50, $100, $200, $500, $1000, or any amount of your choosing. Registration deadline is 11/4/17. Here are different avenues to register and pledge:
1. Register and pledge online.
2. Upon receiving the THSH fundraising letter, fill in the number of attendees and meal preferences and send in your donation with a check payable to THSH in the self-addressed envelope enclosed in the letter.
3. Register at THSH@houston-taiwanese.org and specify the number of attendees, meal preferences, and donation amount. Turn in your donation to the front desk on the fundraising night.
4. Make your pledge to THSH board members, volunteers, or TCC manager.
5. Free admission for students. Please register at THSH@houston-taiwanese.org and identify yourself as "Student."
Following a long tradition, the names of those who donate $1,000 or more will grace the wall of the grand hallway at the Taiwanese Community Center (TCC). Also, your donation is tax-deductible and once submitted, an electronic receipt will be sent to you for your tax filing needs. For paper receipts, please ask at the front desk. If your employer provides matching funds, please use your benefit to double your donation. On behalf of THSH, we thank you for your participation and contribution.
