March 31, 2010 > Expo 2010-Better community, better life Expo 2010-Better community, better life By Alissa Gwynn Photos By Fred Kim Citizens for Better Community (CBC) is hosting their 18th annual Spring Celebration, "Expo 2010-Better Community, Better Life," on Saturday, April 24 in honor of Citizen of the Year, David Chen, and Volunteer of the Year, Gordon Jang. Attracting about 300 people each year, the celebration is CBC's largest fundraiser of the year. CBC aims to "to initiate, sponsor and promote community events, which will affect the well being of Chinese Americans" and proceeds of the event go toward the multitude of service projects that CBC hosts throughout the year, including Toastmasters Youth Leadership club, Friends of Children with Special Needs, and the CBC Youth Internship Program. Every year, CBC chooses a theme for their spring celebration that reflects their goal for the upcoming year. This year, their theme "Expo 2010-Better Community, Better Life," parallels the World Expo's theme (Better city, better life) that will take place from May 1 to October 31 in Shanghai. This year, CBC Executive Director Kathy Jang says, "[The spring celebration is] more focused on providing an opportunity for friends and community to connect and catch up with each other." Violinist Brendan Mai and dancers from the Academy of Chinese Performing Arts in Fremont will be performing various pieces throughout the night. While enjoying the entertainment, attendants will have the choice between Pudong Phoenix (chicken), Puxi Pork Medallions, and Buddha Delight (vegetarian) for their dinner entrŽe. Gordon Jang is a lifetime member of CBC and is currently part of the board. He served as CBC treasurer from 2001 to 2009, and has been involved with South Bay Chinese Club Scholarship Committee throughout the years. His contributions to his community have earned him the title of 2010 CBC Volunteer of the Year. Similarly, 2010 CBC member of the year David Chen has made significant contributions to Fremont ever since he founded the Academy of Chinese Performing Arts (ACPA) in 1995. His classical children's musical drama, Malan Flower, has received many accolades and has recently been invited, along with ACPA's best repertoire, to be showcased in Beijing this summer. Additionally, plans are being made to have them presented in late July in Shanghai as part of the Shanghai World Expo celebrations. CBC's 18th Annual Spring Celebration is open to the community, and potential members are encouraged to attend. Tickets, $88 per person and $800 per table of 10, can be purchased through Kathy Jang at kjang25@yahoo.com or (510) 790-0740. Please RSVP by April 3. Citizens for Better Community's 18th Annual Spring Celebration "Expo 2010-Better Community, Better Life" Saturday, April 24 Reception at 5:30 p.m. Dinner, program, and entertainment at 6:30 p.m. Fremont Marriott 46100 Landing Parkway, Fremont (510) 790-0740 www.cbcsfbay.org kjang25@yahoo.com Tickets: $88 per person/ $800 table of 10 Please RSVP by April 3 Dress: Black tie or dress suit for men, long dress or Cheong Sam for Women