HCS celebrates honorees Council Member Chaim Deutsch and Kenneth Wong at its 22nd gala

February 12, 2019

At HCS’ 22nd annual Lunar New Year gala this year, two distinguished honorees, New York City’s Council Member Chaim Deutsch and Mr. Kenneth Wong, Past Commander of the American Legion Chinese Memorial Kimlau Post 1291 were honored for their dedication to making a difference in the community. Both honorees exemplify patriotism and devotion to service.

The gala was held at Jing Fong Banquet Restaurant to a packed room of over 500 guests on a snowy afternoon. The atmosphere was filled with Lunar New Year festivities as lion dancers went table to table to usher in the “Year of the Pig”. HCS music choir opened the show with the National Anthem followed by a joyful Lunar New Year song. Guest were treated to a ten course Chinese banquet as they watched the many performances including cultural dance, tai chi, music and so much more.

Council Member Deutsch was the recipient of HCS’ Public Service award. He spoke about the importance of acknowledging bias where it exists, especially in the case of the Seaport Buffet hammer attack which happened in his district. He said “We will not tolerate here in NYC or anywhere else such acts of hate, acts of bias and such acts of bigotry. People tend to think the Asian Americans community do not all speak English as a first language that they can take advantage of them. Not on my watch and not on the watch of my colleagues in government. No one in NYC will ever be disenfranchise from city services from city resources or having a voice in government. My parents are immigrants. We all came here to America for a better life. I am honor to stand up today and provide many crucial services to HCS and working with so many leaders who are here today who look after our senior population.”