Inspiring Central Indiana Asian Americans to Serve and Lead.
|
|
|
Asian American Alliance, Inc.
June Newsletter |
|
|
2009 is proving to be a very busy year for Asian American Alliance! On May 6th, AAAI joined NSHMBA and NBMBAA in hosting the first Soul, Sushi, and Salsa Event at Madame Walker Theatre. Members had the opportunity to network while enjoying good food, great music, and free dance lessons. On May 9th, AAAI held its Second Annual Asian Festival at lovely Garfield Park. The day highlighted and celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of Asia present in Central Indiana.
This week, our members are busy giving back to the community by working with Habitat for Humanity. At the same time, we are busy planning the Seventh Annual Race for All Races to be held in September. We hope you will join us for this exciting event!
Warm regards,
Vince Wong, Board President, Asian American Alliance, Inc. | |
| This Week |
|
|
June 26 - AAAI Partners with Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity has built more than 225,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1,000,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. Since 1987, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis has built 352 homes in Indianapolis for families in need. In 2009, they hope to build 22 more homes in Indianapolis. On June 26th from 12:30-4:30 p.m. AAAI will be partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis to work on a home at 1710 Ingram Street in Indianapolis. We will be working on siding, doors, and the kitchen. For additional information about this service opportunity, contact Liz Jackson at elizabeth.Jackson@wishard.edu. |
| And Beyond... |
|
September 12 - Race for All Races, Military Park
If you believe in diversity, get in line! Imagine the ordinary streets of Indianapolis filled with thousands of people from different races and backgrounds. Imagine raising funds for need-based students under the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Scholarship Program. Imagine different ethnic groups working together to make this a reality.
You can help make this a reality at the Seventh Annual Race for All Races, a 5-Mile Run, 5K Run and Walk, and 1-Mile Family Walk that will celebrate the growing multi-ethnic nature of our community. We are partnering with organizations throughout the community to fill the streets of Indianapolis with thousands of people from different races and backgrounds. For more information about Race for All Race or to Form a Team, contact Jessie Mills at aaaimail@gmail.com.
September 29 - cAtAlyst, Offices of Bingham McHale, LLP
Asian American Alliance has partnered with Celia Young & Associates to deliver a powerful and insightful professional and personal development experience to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Asian American professionals. Additional information about this unique program is available at http://www.aaalliance.org/events.html.
October 1, 5-7 pm - Reception and Gathering of Members, Offices of Bingham McHale, LLP
|
|
Spotlight on an AAAI Member |
|
|
Mari Yamaguchi Represents Indiana in the 97th National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C.
This year, AAAI member Mari Yamaguchi represented her home state of Indiana as a Cherry Blossom Princess at the 97th Anniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Mari is an award winning television journalist recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for her reporting and producing in the areas of Education and Minority Issues. She is currently a Promotion Producer/Writer and Community Affairs Liaison for the FOX and CW television affiliates in Indiana. A former competitive figure skater, Mari has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and world for competitions and was invited to train with World and Olympic coaches. Active in her community, Mari serves on the board for several organizations in Central Indiana, including the American Cancer Society, Asian American Alliance, Inc., Dance Kaleidoscope, Dress for Success, Special Olympics Figure Skating Program, and the 500 Festival Princess Partners Program. She also holds distinction as the first Japanese to be selected as an Indianapolis 500 Festival Princess. Mari is also fluent in three languages: English, Japanese, and Spanish. She is the daughter of Michiko Yamaguchi and the late Jiro Yamaguchi.
We were extremely pleased to have Mari serve as our emcee for the Second Annual Asian Festival.
|
| Past Events |
|
|
May 6 - Soul, Sushi & Salsa, Madame Walker Theatre
After enjoying some ribs, sushi and fajitas, members of AAAI, NBMBAA, and NSHMBA danced the night away after getting some quick salsa lessons from Patricia Mota.
May 9 - Asian Festival, Garfield Park
Despite the chilly and unpredictable weather of May, Asian Festival brought over 500 attendees to Garfield Park. We enjoyed delicious cuisine, colorful performances, beautiful arts and crafts, and a fashion show displaying colorful ethnic costumes to end the day. Mayor Ballard and Mrs. Ballard were able to join us for a portion of the performances. In addition, we were able to present three very deserving and appreciative recipients with scholarships. A big thanks to all of our volunteers and sponsors who made this year's Asian Festival a success!
| |
| Contact Information |
|
Jessie Lee Mills, Executive Director
Vince Wong, President
Sonia Chen,
Vice-President
Ralph Taylor, Treasurer |
|
Other Events of Interest |
|
August 22 - Philippine Fiesta, Fr. Gerald Kirkoff (St. Jude's) Multipurpose Center
The Philippine Nurses Association of Indiana, Inc. (PNA-IN) wish to extend an invitation to AAAI and the Asian American community of Indiana to join their 10th Anniversary Celebration - Philippine Fiesta on Saturday August 22, 2009 at Fr. Gerald Kirkoff (St. Jude's) Multipurpose Center, 5379 S. McFarland Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46227 from 5:00pm-11:00pm. For additional information, contact Mattie Upano, PNA-IN President, at msupano@yahoo.com.
Summer Kids' Camp at IUPUI
The Confucius Institute of Indianapolis at IUPUI is hosting its kids' summer camp. For additional information, contact Haiqing (Dinah) Zhang, Associate Director of the Confucius Institute, at zhanghai@iupui.edu.
|
We're on Facebook now! Become a Fan!
Thanks to our new partnership with Marketpath, AAAI will soon have a new look! AAAI will be launching its newly designed website in July, including a blog section to get up-to-date information about AAAI's latest news!
If your organization is in need of a new look, contact Kevin A. Kennedy at 317.579.9704 or kkennedy@marketpath.com
|
Thanks to Our Corporate Sponsors!
For Additional Information about Sponsorships, Contact Jessie Mills at aaaimail@gmail.com.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
