Chinese American Voter Registration Group Honors Civic Leaders at Chinese New Year Gala in San Francisco's Chinatown

Over 400 leaders from throughout the Bay Area will join Governor Jerry Brown (invited), Mayor Edwin Lee (invited) and other officials in congratulating the honorees and celebrating the Chinese New Year. California State Senator Kevin de Leon will deliver

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San Francisco, CA, February 7, 2014:  The Chinese American Voters Education Committee formed in 1976, a non-partisan, non-profit voter registration organization based in San Francisco will honor four outstanding leaders for their civic, philanthropic and community work. Over 400 leaders from throughout the Bay Area will join Governor Jerry Brown (invited), Mayor Edwin Lee (invited) and other officials in congratulating the honorees and celebrating the Chinese New Year. California State Senator Kevin de Leon will deliver the Gala keynote.  “As the Chinese and Asian American community become more involved in civic life, it is important to recognize the role models who are blazing a path for all of us,” said Fiona Ma, CA Speaker pro Tempore Emeritus and Honorary Gala Co-Chair. Honorees:

·      San Francisco State’s President Leslie Wong is an inspirational education leader who has done an outstanding job leading and planning for the University’s future.

·       Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO, Salesforce.com, a fourth generation San Franciscan who with his wife Lynn, personally donated $100 million to UCSF, has shown us all the power of giving back and supporting children’s health and welfare. 

·      Steven Ma, the Founder and President of ThinkTank Learning, has helped a generation of young people fulfill their dreams of going to college. 

·      Gateway Bank has shown what good a local community bank can do through its lending programs and community support. Award accepted by Jeff Cheung, President and CEO.

“We are pleased to recognize these inspirational leaders and welcome the Year of the Horse together” said Gala Co-Chair Melissa Ma. 

With over half of the Asian American population in San Francisco not registered to vote, CAVEC has its work cut out for it.  “Over 32% of the City is of Asian American heritage, yet only 18% of its voters are Asian American.  CAVEC will spend the next year closing the gap and working to increase turnout.  With important elections in June and November, this is a great time to get registered and start voting,” said executive director David Lee adding that the organization will bring on new staff and volunteers for the effort.   

The 37th Annual Gala celebrating the Year of the Horse will take place at 6pm at the Empress of China Restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown at 838 Grant Avenue on Tuesday, February 11, 2014.