On March 8th, OCA-NE celebrated the Lunar New Year with our annual banquet and a special tribute to honor past presidents of OCA-NE. This year proved to be highly successful with over 200 guests made up of family, friends and members, local businesses, representatives and leaders of other Asian American organizations and other key supporters of OCA and our mission. There was also media coverage from many local community newspapers.

The theme of this year’s event added a special touch as we took the occasion to honor and recognize past presidents. These leaders have been instrumental in solidifying OCA's position with local and national issues pertaining to Asian Pacific Americans. Just this award ceremony alone was worth coming for and heartfelt thanks go to all the past presidents who continue to show us their high level of commitment and dedication to our organization. Those present included Larry Ho, Wei Lee Shia, Assunta Cha, May Lorenzo, Catherine Chan, Grace Young Madsen, C.K. Der and George Cha. As one of the past presidents, Wei Lee Shia, said in his acceptance speech, “let's work to change the world to a better place for all mankind!”

The evening started with our social/networking hour including wine and snacks, allowing everyone the opportunity to create and build on old and new friendships. Guests walking in were also greeted to the serene sounds of our dulcimer performer. Our program began with the national anthem performed by the Variasians, a local a cappella group made up of nine very talented young Asian men and women.

Following the anthem were opening remarks from current OCA-NE President Gar Chiang who shared with the audience the true mission of OCA and also introduced all the board members who made this event a reality through team effort. After the Veriasians entertained us with 3 more moving and finger-snapping songs (closing with the apropos “Respect” by Aretha Franklin), we began our feast. And what a feast it was! This year's event was held at the Best Seafood Restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown. Throughout the evening, guests commented that the food was “mouth-watering,” “delicious,” and “uniquely-selected" for celebrating the Year of the Ram.

OCA-NE is famous for giving back and this year was no exception. Our raffles this year included 25 exciting gifts, some of which were donated. Besides food and entertainment, all attendees were informed of our chapter's coming events in the months ahead. Included are various civil rights activities, television and other media specials, scholarships, the summer picnic and the OCA national convention held in Boston in 2004. OCA-NE Vice President for Education, George Cha will be Convention Chair.

As the night’s MC, I promised that “next year's banquet will be even more spectacular,” and I meant it. Our goal is to double the number of participants, create more positive visibility and make more friends for OCA and of course, to have a lot of fun.

A sincere thanks to all those who helped and created a great event. Ken An and his wonderful design of programs and tickets and for getting gifts and prizes for the raffle and awardees; Mary Quan for organizing the selling of raffle tickets that brought in over $500; Felicia Chao for helping with the drawing; Jean and Ron Young for managing the reception table; CK Der for bringing four tables of friends; Ming Fong and Giles Li for coordinating final details; and Richard Kong, the proprietor of Best Seafood restaurant, for providing a sumptuous meal for us.