On the evening of November 9th in Foster City, the “Passing on the Torch – Restoration of Chinese Cultural Park” fundraising dinner was held, co-hosted by the Sino American Heritage Foundation, the San Jose City Government, and the San Jose Tainan Sister City Association, drawing nearly 250 people from all walks of life in the Bay Area.
Various major community organizations, two Lion’s Clubs, and several local officials, including Mayor Joe Li of Millbrae, Councilman Peter Ortiz of San Jose, and President Xue Meiying of the San Jose Tainan Sister City Association, showed up to support the event. The evening featured a charity auction with a diverse range of items donated by Vice President Wang Wei of the Sino American Heritage Foundation, including Master Ye Yezhi’s Chinese ink painting “Galloping Horse for a Thousand Miles,” as well as oil paintings and ink landscape paintings by renowned artists from the Bay Area, along with jewelry and luxury watches. All proceeds from the auction will be fully allocated to the restoration and maintenance costs of the Chinese Cultural Park.
President David Lin of the Sino American Heritage Foundation, in his speech, recounted the origins of the Chinese Cultural Park and explained its historical significance and the contributions of Taiwanese compatriots. He emphasized that the Chinese Cultural Park is an important cultural landmark for the Chinese community in the Bay Area, symbolizing the spirit of “taking root and flourishing” and the cultural foundation. This dinner not only expressed gratitude for the community’s long-term support but also aimed to unite more forces to collectively safeguard this cultural asset belonging to the Chinese people. He emphasized the responsibility of our generation to be the guardians of culture and to pass on the cultural “torch” to the next generation.
Mayor Joe Li of Millbrae, in his speech, emphasized that the park is not only a park but also a symbol of the diligence, dedication, and achievements of Chinese Americans. He called on the community to continue this culture and glory, enabling the next generation to understand our roots and future direction.
Councilman Peter Ortiz of San Jose praised President David Lin as a “bridge of generations, a guardian of culture, and a selfless volunteer,” emphasizing that the Chinese Cultural Park is no longer just a restoration project but a symbol of the spirit of the Chinese and Asian communities, representing inheritance, stories, and rebirth. “Through his dedication, Chinese culture in the South Bay has been thriving, just like the flowers he personally nurtured will bloom again in the garden,” Ortiz said.
Calligrapher Dong Yang Lirong donated calligraphy and books at the event and told reporters, “I want to help David Lin because he has a broad mind and is willing to do so much for our Chinese community.” She emphasized her hope to contribute to the restoration of the Chinese Cultural Park through the sale of her donated works.
Lin Gui Xiang, founder of the American California Line Dance Association, and her husband Lin Mengxiong also attended the event and successfully bid for an oil painting. She happily told the Epoch Times, “I am very pleased to have won this painting, I ‘snatched’ it!” She hopes that through this charity purchase, she can express her support for Chinese culture, allowing the Chinese Cultural Park to be rebuilt so that future generations can also enjoy this cultural heritage.
Councilwoman Zhang Yajing of Fremont successfully bid for a natural diamond pendant at the event. In an interview with the Epoch Times, she said, “I am not particularly interested in jewelry, but the significance of this charity purchase is profound. This donation will be used to rebuild the aging buildings in the Chinese Cultural Park. Being able to contribute in this way is something I am very willing to do.”
In the auction segment, the Chinese ink painting “Galloping Horse for a Thousand Miles” was finally won by former President Wang Mingde of the Taiwan University Alumni Association for $7,500. The atmosphere was lively as painter Gu Shixian’s work was won by Dong Yili, with continuous applause in the audience. The fundraising dinner concluded with joy and emotion amidst song and dance performances and the energetic performance of the Silicon Valley Band.