BOSTON – September 10, 2012 – Viet-AID, a non-profit organization in the Fields Corner of Dorchester – Boston, will host its first ever-gala event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Vietnamese-American Community Center (Viet-AID Center). The “Mỹ Gala” is the culmination of decades of civic participation by Vietnamese immigrants and refugees who, since 1975, have worked to build a strong and contributing community in Massachusetts. The Mỹ Gala (so named because, in Vietnamese, America is called Mỹ or beautiful country) will be held from 6 to 11pm on September 29th at the Boston College High School at 150 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA.
“The Viet-AID Center was the first of its kind in the nation,” said Viet-AID Executive Director Nam Pham. “The Center has provided a multigenerational and multicultural home for not just the Vietnamese-Americans in Boston area, but also other diverse groups in Dorchester. Over the past 10 years the Center has become a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. It helps to connect our children to the past and prepares them for the future. This event will provide us with the support necessary to continue providing vital services that empower our community for the long-term and make better citizens.”
Three individuals will be honored at the event including United States Navy Retired Captain, Paul Jacobs. Captain Jacobs commanded the USS Kirk that rescued over 30,000 Vietnamese refugees after the Fall of Saigon in 1975. To honor him and other veterans, tickets are being offered to veterans for $50 each, half the regular event price. Veterans who attend will also be recognized during the program ceremony. Others being honored are Ms. Elizabeth Smith, Executive Director of the Hyams Foundation and Mr. An Ton That, former chair of the Viet-Aid Center steering committee. All proceeds from the event will go toward funding family and youth initiatives, including the After School and Early Education programs, Summer Camp, and Parental Support Services. More information about the event and the work of the Center can be found at https://www.vietaid.org or by calling 617.822.3717×15.
About Viet-AID
Founded in 1994, Viet-AID is the first and only grassroots community development corporation in the U.S. founded and operated by Vietnamese refugees and immigrants. Located in Boston’s Fields Corner-Dorchester neighborhood, Viet-AID’s mission is to build a strong, contributing Vietnamese-American community in Boston. For over fifteen years, Viet-AID has worked with mainstream organizations and residents to improve the lives of hundreds of Vietnamese immigrants and refugees; increase their participation in civic life; revitalize the once blighted Fields Corner residential area; and contribute to the economic vitality of the neighborhood. To learn more about Viet-AID please visit https://www.vietaid.org.
Contact:
Nam Pham – Executive Director – Viet-AID
Office: 617.822.3717×13 or Mobile: 857.919.7153
Email: nam@vietaid.org