JAAA's LAUNCH MEETING
The University Club, August 9, 2006
Sponsored by Jacksonville Aviation Authority and
SunTrust Bank 

The Jacksonville Asian American Alliance (JAAA) was successfully launched on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at the University Club. Thanks to VP Amal Soni and Directors of JAAA, the Hampton Room of the Club was beautifully decorated with balloons and banners. Over 100 guests attended the launch party including individual and business members, corporate sponsors, community leaders and volunteers, government officials and representatives, the media, and distinguished friends of JAAA. 

In her welcoming remarks, President Anjna Chauhan outlined the programs adopted by the Alliance and the importance of those programs in strengthening not only the Asian community but the City of Jacksonville as well. Ms. Chauhan also introduced JAAA’s corporate sponsors: John Clark, Executive Director of the Jacksonville Airport Authority; and Rick Weaver, Vice President of SunTrust. Mr. Clark and Mr. Weaver welcomed the new Alliance and reiterated their commitment to supporting the Asian American community. 

Gloria Chu, Vice Chairwoman, introduced the video presentation. Guests enjoyed watching a 10-minute collection of video clips and still photos from different Asian countries called “The Faces of Asia.” The video was prepared by Dr. Dunsong Yang, a JAAA Director. Odette Struys, a JAAA member, then shared information about “Singapore National Day” which is celebrated on August 9. This was followed by a musical presentation (Chinese Pipa) played by Yinching Wu, a Chinese student at UNF. 

The guest speaker, At-Large City Council Member Lad Daniels, was then introduced by Doreen Flippin. Mr. Daniels talked about the importance of participating in the political process and promoting diversity and open dialogue. Mr. Daniels described the project for children he and Mrs. Carol Daniels initiated called “Faces of Jacksonville Village.” This program brings children together from all around Jacksonville who have different experiences and cultural backgrounds. The children spend time together to find a common ground, to build a foundation based on understanding, and to bridge their diversities through discovering the richness in everyone’s heritage. 

Mr. Daniels then recognized the contributions made by Jay Lee, JAAA Chairman, and his wife Sanghee Lee to the Faces of Jacksonville Village project. A beautifully framed collage of photographs of children who participated in the Village camp with personal comments about how the project has changed the children’s attitude toward others was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Jay Lee. Jay Lee then reiterated the mission of JAAA and thanked the guests for attending the event and supporting the new Alliance. 

Directors Tess Galino and Vida Vongsay then presented the winners of the Congeniality Contest. Mr. Pete Herrera and Ms. Ana Wright won the contest for having collected the most number of business cards. This was followed by raffle drawing which included a $125 gift certificate at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and the following donations from various local businesses and individuals: two $50 gift certificates at Winn Dixie, two gift certificates for shiatsu massage each valued at $60 from H. Kouri and Doreen Flippin, a $60 gift certificate for hair color and style donated by Nancy Neff of Villa La Vita Hair Salon, $50 gift certificate at Osaka Japanese Buffet, $50 Gift certificate at Sushi Rock Café from Jay Lee, $50 gift certificate at Party Shop from Amal Soni, a DJ service gift certificate (valued at $50) from Westphil Entertainment, a Spa Pedicure gift certificate from Nail Time, two umbrellas and a Cross pen from the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. 

Click here for more photos taken at JAAA Launch.