February 11, 2005
The Ventura County Asian American Bar Association (VCAABA) raised $905 for UNICEF’s Tsunami Relief Fund at a February 11, 2005 inaugural meeting (and five-course feast) at the Peking Restaurant in Camarillo.
The group was introduced to VCAABA’s Steering Committee: Dien Le (Co-Chair), Monty Gill (Co-Chair), Connie Chang, Dino Inumerable, Lilian Jiang, Robert Kwong, Brian Nomi, Tina Rasnow, Kevin Suh, Donn Taketa, Carol Woo, and Steve Henderson.
Dien & Monty explained VCAABA’s purpose and told of future activities, including a scholarship program for local law students. They gave a history lesson on customs and explained the traditions surrounding the Lunar New Year, including the color red symbolizing good luck and the red envelopes with money inside given to children (but in this case, used for door prizes).
Thanks to: Judge David Long (who could not attend, but helped spread the word about VCAABA); Judges Brian Back and Judge Harry Walsh, as well as the other VIPs who braved the rain to attend; and to the many generous lawyers and friends whose contributions bolstered the Tsunami Relief Fund.
Almost everyone in attendance walked away with a door prize! We are grateful for the generosity and support of: Tina Rasnow; Sullivan Taketa LLP; Nordman, Cormany, Hair & Compton; Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County; Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California; Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association; Philippine Asian Bar Association; South Asian Bar Association of Southern California; Rosanne MacDonald, C.Ht.; Mark Gurich, People’s Mortgage Group; Alice Madrid, Union Bank of California; Deanna Eagle, California Carefinders, Inc.; Debbie Morris, Deb’s Hair; Alan Munson, Munson Shirts; Ron Yamashiro, Brewer & Tominaga, CPA’s; Chau Le, Northwestern Mutual; Dien Le.
Members of the local bar turn out for Inaugural Luncheon
Mark Fang, Al Vargas
Don Hurley, Judge Walsh
