The Huamei Traditional Foundation held a press conference titled “Passing on the Torch, Reviving the Splendor of Chinese Culture” in Foster City on April 22 (Tuesday), officially launching the fundraising campaign for the restoration project of the Chinese Cultural Park. The foundation called on overseas Chinese communities to unite in safeguarding this culturally significant landmark.
Located in Overfelt Park in San Jose, the Chinese Cultural Park spans 6 acres. Donated and constructed by the Government of the Republic of China in 1971, it holds historical significance with landmarks including the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Friendship Gate, Confucius statue, Eternal Black Stone, Chiang Kai-shek Pavilion, and Plum Pavilion. It serves as a collective cultural memory and spiritual symbol for the Chinese community in the Bay Area. However, after enduring over half a century of wear and tear, coupled with the destruction brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and homelessness, many park facilities are in disrepair and in urgent need of renovation.
The total budget for the project is $3 million, covering repairs to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and surrounding facilities, beautification of the Confucius statue area, enhancement of overall landscape and safety features, and the establishment of a sustainable maintenance fund.
President Lin Darui of the Huamei Traditional Foundation stated that this project is not just a restoration initiative but also marks the rejuvenation of Chinese culture in the United States. He called on everyone to generously support the cause and preserve a space for future generations to understand their culture and heritage. He pledged that all donations will be transparently accounted for and permanently inscribed on plaques within the park, with major donors having naming rights to facilities.
The pinnacle fundraising event will be a large banquet held in September, inviting leaders of overseas Chinese communities, businesses, and the media to participate. More details will be announced in July. The foundation is a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Tax ID: 87-2347206), and all members are volunteers. One hundred percent of donations will be earmarked for the project and audited by the accounting firm of Wang Rongmei.
On that day, 17 representatives from overseas Chinese organizations attended and expressed their support, with many attendees making on-the-spot donations. Mr. Zhong Weijun, Chairman of the Gold Mountain Founding Father Memorial Hall, and the Chinese Traditional Cultural Association each donated $1,000, emphasizing the profound significance of having the Founding Father Memorial Hall in the north and the Chinese Cultural Park in the south, echoing each other’s importance.
President Liang Guowei of the San Francisco Overseas Chinese League expressed in English that the league has long been committed to preserving history and will fully support this restoration project and provide assistance in the future.
Huang Weidi, Executive Director of the All-American Taiwan Association, attended despite illness, conveying that mobilization efforts have begun nationwide in the United States to wholeheartedly support the cause.
Zhang Renrui, Founding Chairman of the California International Yixiang Lions Club, made an initial donation of $1,000 and suggested establishing a flag platform and introducing shops to facilitate sustainable operation of the park. Yeh Yunhe, former Chairman of the Golden Mountain Bay Area Republic of China National Day Committee, also donated $500 and pledged to rally 30 committee members and 31 affiliated organizations to participate in fundraising.
Song Zhen, President of the Alumni Association of the University of Culture and a standing committee member of the Jiyi branch, also donated $500. She mentioned that over the years, she has witnessed cultural events commemorating the Founding Father held in the park, appreciating its cultural significance, and hopes to inspire more people to join in the restoration efforts.
Other overseas Chinese representatives in attendance who expressed support include: Mao Xiaoling, Chairman of the Chinese Fraternity Association; Xi Zaoxun, President of the Northern California Chinese University Alumni Association Federation, and Vice President Huo Qinglai; Wu Guoting, President of the Ocean University Alumni Association; Xiao Tingyu, Representative of the National Taiwan University Foundation; Shi Guangting, General Convener of the Confucius Ceremony Committee; Mou Shanzhu, Representative of the Qilu Club; Ceng Lixiang, Vice President of the Northern California Chinese Elderly Association; Wu Youru, President of the Northern California Beiyi Female School Alumni Association; Chen Zongyi, President of the San Francisco Taiwan Association; Zhou Yizhen, former President of the San Jose Taiwan Association; Huang Dongzhou, Director of the Northern California Normal University Alumni Association; and Taiwan Sun Jianping Central Committee Member. ◇