2023 In Review
As we reflect on the year 2023, we can't help but feel grateful for the incredible journey we've embarked upon together. Your support has played a pivotal role in bringing over 100 events and programs to our community, each contributing in its own unique way to enriching lives.
Let's take a moment to celebrate the remarkable highlights of our journey.
January
14th Annual Malden Lunar New Year Celebration
After weathering three challenging years, we're thrilled to bring this event to life in person once again! This gathering drew in an eclectic crowd from across Greater Boston, along with a multitude of neighboring businesses and organizations. It's a heartfelt celebration, paying homage to the culturally significant Lunar New Year and the richness of Asian cultures.
February | Online Event
The Basics of Taxes
Together with the IRS, we organized a Chinese-language workshop to assist Chinese immigrants in understanding the intricacies of taxation.
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March
The Love of Books Celebration
In collaboration with Malden Reads, we organized a special event to make this year's National Reading Month truly memorable for kids. We were thrilled to have award-winning author Vincent Yee join us, introducing his captivating "Clara Wu and the World of Azen" series to our eager audience.
April｜Online Event
Poetry from Around the World
In recognition of National Poetry Month, we joined forces with Malden Reads to orchestrate a virtual community night that celebrated the exquisite beauty of languages through the art of poetry. Together, we embarked on a heartfelt exploration, embracing the unique perspectives and voices found within Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Swedish, and Vietnamese languages.
April
19th Annual Gala & Awards Ceremony
We welcomed over 200 guests to join us in celebrating our exceptional honorees, John Preotle, Eugene Welch, Gary Yu, and Vincent Yee, as well as our collective accomplishments over the past year. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised over $40,000, which has empowered us to expand our programming to support the Asian immigrant community and the general public beyond Malden.
May
AAPI Heritage Month Celebration
In the U.S., over 20 million individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent form about 7% of the total population. These diverse AAPI communities contribute immensely to our society with their rich cultural heritage and unique experiences. This event offered deep dives into the richness of cultures from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Arab countries, Korea, Nepal, and India, widening our appreciation of our shared heritage.
June
Explore the Malden River
In June, we gathered at The Park at River's Edge for our annual family fair, and it was a fantastic experience collaborating once again with Friends of the Malden River and Mystic River Watershed Association. We were overjoyed to have over 60 families join us, rain or shine, to get the summer season off to a great start.
June
We received fantastic news from the Cummings Foundation, as we were chosen as one of the 150 local nonprofits to receive support through its major annual grants program!
This opportunity has enabled us to strengthen our Youth Leadership and Mentoring Program by adding a new dedicated Program Coordinator passionate about supporting high schoolers as well as 4th and 5th graders from immigrant families.
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July
Summer Enrichment Program
For six weeks, spanning from June to August, the Forestdale School was filled with the vibrant energy of our Summer Enrichment Program students. Our dedicated educators played an essential role in creating a secure and nurturing space where each child felt valued and supported on their journey to explore their individual talents and abilities.
September
Little Dragon Afterschool@Beebe
Transformative changes were achieved at our Little Dragon Afterschool@Beebe! We welcomed a talented new teaching team and ensured that the program remained affordable for all.
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September
2023 Bike to the Moon
Maintaining our annual tradition, this year's event once again beautifully married the Mid-Autumn Festival's cultural heritage with environmental advocacy. We are grateful to our collaborators, Bike to the Sea and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, for making this an enjoyable experience.
October
Drama Therapy Workshops
In collaboration with Zero Theater, we launched drama therapy workshops that toured four cities. These sessions, designed to promote inner peace and emotional management, benefited over 100 individuals across Greater Boston.
November
9th Annual Thanksgiving Ping Pong Tournament
The tournament this year was truly a remarkable spectacle! We welcomed over 50 teams, totaling more than 200 individuals, from across Greater Boston. Each participant brought their best, contributing to a fantastic atmosphere of friendly competition and community bonding.
December
2023 Holiday Swap Party
Our hearts were brimming with gratitude as more than 200 people joined us to kick off this year's holiday season. The presence of special guests, including Congresswoman Katherine Clark, added an extra touch of vibrancy to the event.
We are also proud to share that we expanded our senior programs to 7 locations. In 2023, we offered over 40 workshops that immersed participants in Chinese arts, culture, and culinary traditions. Simultaneously, we sustained our partnerships with various organizations, working together on events in arts and culture, financial literacy, and wellness, among other topics. These initiatives remained instrumental in helping Asian immigrants preserve their cultural heritage while adapting to American life.
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From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each and every one of our supporters. Your generosity and active engagement are the driving forces behind our accomplishments. To our volunteers, you are our heroes, especially the wonderful Key Club of Malden High School. Your dedication and commitment continue to awe and inspire us.
