Asian Youth Center: Bringing Community Together

The Asian Youth Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering low-income, immigrant and at-risk youth and families through education, employment and social services, celebrated 30 years the Hilton San Gabriel. AYC honored L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger with the Community Leadership Award because of her commitment to public service, youth development and the communities it serves. AYC also honored the city of San Gabriel with the Community Partnership Award. Most recently it has had the pleasure of working closely with the Community Services Department on the KaBoom! Playground at Smith Park. Mayor Jason Pu accepted the award at the gala but called all of the City Council members and staff to the stage to receive the award with him. The AYC President’s Recognition Award went to Cordelia Wong this year. Wong moved to the United States from Hong Kong in 1970. After 18 years of working as a jeweler in downtown Los Angeles, she began her career in real estate in 1988. Now with more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Wong is a top real estate agent serving San Marino and the surrounding areas. “On behalf of the board of directors and all of the youth and families that we serve,” expressed Michelle Freridge, AYC’s executive director, “I want to thank our Legacy sponsor, East West Bank for all of the financial support and the volunteer time and energy they gave to this event this year.” Diamond sponsors included: Cathay Bank, Southern California Edison, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and the TAWA Charitable Foundation. Gold sponsors included: Comerica Bank, Exact Tax Inc., Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel, Southern California Gas Co., Warner Brothers Entertainment and Gay Yuen. Silver Sponsors included: Ada Chan Wong/Horizon Travel, KCAL Insurance Agency, Law & Mediation Offices of Elizabeth Yang, OneLegacy, Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary, and Dr. Stanley M. Toy Jr. and TEAM Healthcare Inc. For more information, visit asianyouthcenter.org.