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 | Happy November!
As we enter the final months of the year, we're excited to share some of the impactful events and initiatives we've been working on. This October, we brought together journalists and community leaders for the Bridging News Media and AANHPI Communities event in Madison, Wis. with legendary journalist Helen Zia and Morgan Murphy Media fostering deeper connections between local media and AANHPI community resource groups. In Bellevue, Wash., we hosted our second-annual Sunday Funday luncheon -- a day filled with joy, community, and celebration of who we are! We supported the NPPA's Women in Visual Journalists conference in Dallas, Texas, and we supported the Asian Americans Advance Justice - AAJC's American Courage Awards in Washington, D.C. The May Book Project continued its mission to promote literacy and diversity, with hundreds of books donated to local schools, impacting more than 4,000 students in the Seattle-area thanks to many partners, including our amazing partner Avalon Bay. |
| | | Bridging Connections
The Very Asian Foundation (VAF) and the Vincent Chin Institute (VCI) teamed up to host Bridging News Media and AANHPI Communities, an event designed to connect local journalists with Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. This event, in partnership with key local organizations, provided an opportunity for journalists and community leaders to engage in meaningful conversations and address the challenges of reporting on anti-Asian hate and other pressing issues.
Attendees heard from journalists Andie Behling, editor of Madison Magazine; Kyle Jones, WISC digital producer; Chai Moua, co-executive director of Freedom, Inc., Arman Rahman, WISC-TV reporter, and Jade Iseri-Ramos of WORT FM. They also participated in interactive breakouts, which allowed for direct engagement between media professionals and the public.
Special thanks to our sponsors Madison College, Morgan Murphy Media, The AAPI Coalition of WI, Freedom Inc. and many generous volunteers. |
| | May Book Project
This October, the May Book Project made a big impact by donating hundreds of books to eight schools in the Seattle area, including schools in Bellevue, Bothell, Edmonds, Renton, and Shoreline. More than 4,000 students were impacted by the generosity of our volunteers and guest readers, ensuring that our youngest readers have a chance to see themselves and learn about the lives of others. Special thanks to Gloo Books and Avalon Bay for making these book drops possible, including having popular news anchor Lori Matsukawa join us to share her new book, Brave Mrs. Sato, which is a heartwarming story that celebrates intergenerational friendship, immigration, and the power of bravery. And special thanks to celebrity chef Shubert Ho for reading to kids and giving them inspiration to cook! Our volunteers from Microsoft also made the day so special.
To get involved, learn more here. |
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Sunday Funday
Last month, we celebrated our 2nd Sunday Funday Luncheon in Bellevue, Wash., raising more than $60,000 to support AANHPI talent and community initiatives. The event was nothing short of inspiring as we honored Jonathan Sposato, founder of JoySauce, and celebrated the achievements of this year’s six Creators Grant recipients: We were also thrilled to partner with 60+ AANHPI-owned businesses across the U.S., including organizations in the Greater Seattle area like our host committee Make Us Visible Washington and sponsor ACRS. The afternoon was filled with inspirational stories, joyful connections, and an outpouring of love and support for the community.
For a closer look at the event, check out JoySauce’s article highlighting the luncheon!
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| | | Merch Spotlight
Many of you asked and we delivered! Our Very Asian Voter buttons are now in the store! Buy a set for you and your friends next time you show up to the polls or fill out a mail-in ballot. The general election may be behind us, but we'll have a mid-term election soon enough! And it's always in fashion to show off your civic pride! Great stocking stuffers!
Also new:
Check out our new ribbed winter weather just in time for chilly weather.
We have a new ribbed knit beanie and a Columbia brand pom-pom beanie in the VAF store right now! |
| | | | We’re grateful for the continued support of our volunteers, partners, and community members, all of whom help make these initiatives possible. We look forward to what the end of the year has to offer and cannot wait to share more with you! |
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