Shelby's Social Diary
Yao Ming wasn't there, but his image was as Chinese Community Center supporters partied
From a weekend-only language and cultural school 31 years ago, the Chinese Community Center has evolved into a full-fledged, multi-ethnic community service center with a child care, senior services, youth programs, adult education programs and more. That growth was celebrated in style at the center's annual gala, held at the InterContinental Houston.
Close to 600 festively-attired guests helped raise more than $260,000 for the center. Applauding that success were honorary chairs Jessica and Louis Lien of USA Sports and gala co-chairs Theresa and Dr. Peter Chang.
The evening honored Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Mayor Annise Parker, Houston Rockets star Yao Ming, Angela Blanchard and Neighborhood Centers, the Chinese American Citizens Alliance-Houston Lodge and Jan E. Gee. (A life-sized cutout of Yao provided basketball fun for gala-goers who might have otherwise missed him.)
Shern Min Chow, KHOU Channel 11's popular weekend news anchor, served as emcee for the evening that featured entertainment by face-changing artist Amy Cui Tseng, Chinese music by Yixiu Yan and performance painting by Martin Tremblay.