#81. CHCP-Oral History Project, My Gift to America
The Chinese American Women’s Club’s (CAWC) mission since 1962 is to “preserve Chinese culture and traditions and serve the community where needed.” Modest social activities grew to intentional support and education of the local community. CAWC paired culture with fundraising for community benefit. They formed and strengthened alliances, multiplying efforts with other Bay Area Chinese organizations, including CHCP. In 1978, CAWC was contacted by the City of San Jose with an opportunity to salvage the forgotten Ng Shing Gung Temple. CAWC spearheaded seed funding and volunteered in the 1000 hours to hand clean and restore the Temple’s altar to golden opulence. CAWC and others raised the money to dedicate a museum to San Jose’s forgotten Chinatowns. Many members are now third and fourth generation Chinese-Americans who continue to promote Chinese culture and traditions. Projects support cancer walks, cemetery ingot-making, Asian American Recovery Service, the former Ming Quong orphanage, and more.