The Taiwanese Association in Southern California held a Thanksgiving dinner on November 9th, welcoming over ten Taiwanese students from universities in Northern California such as UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, and California State University. The event aimed to celebrate Thanksgiving and foster mutual exchanges among attendees.
With more than eighty guests in attendance, including officials from the Golden Gate Area Cultural and Educational Center, national policy advisor Yen Chuang and his wife, Overseas Community Affairs Council Commissioner Lee Han-wen, Dr. Fu Hongyu, and many Taiwanese community members from Southern California, everyone gathered together to enjoy a joyous time.
President Chen Chun-cheng of the Taiwanese Association in Southern California emphasized their longstanding tradition of caring for Taiwanese students. Every Thanksgiving, the association invites these students to partake in this significant American holiday, allowing them to experience American festival culture and strengthen their interaction and connection with the overseas Taiwanese community.
Zhuang Ya-shu expressed gratitude towards the association for not only uniting Taiwanese locals but also assisting Taiwanese students in getting to know the overseas community and leaders through the annual Thanksgiving dinner, helping them integrate into the American society and deepen their ties with the overseas Taiwanese community.
She also introduced the various services provided by the cultural and educational center, encouraging students to participate more in community activities, make the most of the community resources, and apply for the Overseas Community Affairs Commission’s iCommunity Card.
During the event, Taiwanese students from UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, and California State University introduced themselves one by one. Many students attended for the first time and expressed their gratitude for the care and arrangements made by the Taiwanese Association.
The association meticulously prepared a feast at the dinner, including five roast turkeys, tea eggs, sushi rolls, braised tofu, colorful salads, healthy vegetables, Taiwanese stir-fried rice noodles, red bean tangyuan, tiramisu, cheesecake, pumpkin pie, and fruits such as persimmons, allowing people to indulge in the warm festive atmosphere.
Furthermore, numerous Taiwanese community members enthusiastically sponsored and prepared ingredients, warmly welcoming the students. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food and engaged in lively conversations in a pleasant atmosphere, celebrating the upcoming Thanksgiving together. The organizers also arranged a karaoke singing activity for the students and community members to enjoy a delightful afternoon together.
Established in the 1970s, the Taiwanese Association in Southern California has been promoting unity among overseas Taiwanese and enhancing connections with mainstream American society for 55 years. In addition to the annual Thanksgiving dinner, the association also hosts the Lantern Festival, a major annual event open to the community, serving as an essential bridge connecting with mainstream society.
Moreover, the summer barbecue gatherings are popular among people of all ages, promoting interactions and friendship among Taiwanese community members. President Chen Chun-cheng expressed to Dajiyuan that the goal for this year is to attract more young people to join the association and support Taiwan’s relevant initiatives on the international stage.