Carolinas Asian-American Chamber Christmas party draws support

With Gloria Grifenhagen (center) and me in red dress 

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

One thing that bound the people who attended the Christmas party of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce last night was the victims of typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines a month ago.

The chamber decided to help the victims by holding a fundraiser during the Christmas party served by the Fil-American community through the group Filipino American Spirit.

More than 100 people members and non-members of the CAACC attended the party.

CAACC press relations officer Andrea Lee said the business chamber exists to foster cooperation and interaction between the Asian communities and other communities in the Charlotte area and the Carolinas at large through commerce, culture and communication.

It  promotes, sponsors and supports efforts to sustain traditional heritages through excellence in business practice, education, volunteerism and public service, Lee added.

Lee made the introductions of the guests after serving Filipino fare with  international influences made by Filipino lady chefs of FAS and the Filipino American Carolina Community (FACC).

CAACC president Jerry Tucker, who had just arrived from another event, welcomed and thanked the guests for coming to help the typhoon victims.

Wally Penilla, FAS Executive Director, thanked the Charlotte community for helping the grouop raise funds by holding the auction during the party.

Also present during the event was Dr. John Chen, CAACC chairman and Asian Herald publisher and his wife. Dr. Chen, who earlier appealed to the Fil-American and Carolina communities to extend their assistance to the typhoon victims in the Philippines, thanked them for their overwhelming support.

Dr. John Chen (right) with his wife (center) and Florami Lao Cordero Lee

He also thanked the chamber for extending their assistance to the victims. 

The party's entertainment was provided by a select number of performers including a surprise musical number by Maya Atkins, who sang her own composition.

The guests were also entertained with a Santa’s and Krampus Raffle and a Christmas dance number by the Aloha Island hula girls. The event winded up with a community dancing by all guests.