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(FORDS, NJ) –
The Asian American Association for Human Services (AAAHS)
hosted their Anniversary Gala on June 23rd at Royal Albert’s
Palace on King Georges Post Road in Fords, NJ from 6:00 p.m.
and 12:00 p.m. The highlights of this event were
presentation of leadership awards to 10 Asian Americans, and
swearing-in of President/Board Chairman and several other
board members. The new President and Board Chairman being
sworn in is Rantik Parikh. Mr. Rantik Parikh took over
presidency of this 13 year old non-profit organization from
Clair Iwatsu, who will continue serving on the board as
Secretary. New Vice President is Darlene Borromeo and
Treasurer is Eric H. Wong. The new board has rainbow
representation from Asian communities including Chinese,
Indian, Korean, Pakistani, Philippines, etc.
The Asian
cultural program representing, the Chinese, Indian, Korean,
Philipino and Mongolian communities was phenomenal. Kids,
Working adults and seniors from all communities came
together to make this event entertaining and colorful.
Several elected
officials, Assemblymen Upendra Chivukula, Assemblyman Gordon
Johnson, NJ Public Advocate Ronald Chen, etc attended the
event. Senator Menendez, Congressman Rush Holt, and
Assemblyman Joe Pennachio could not attend due to their
prior commitments, but sent special message.
“Asian American community is one of the fastest growing
communities in New Jersey. The rapidly growing and aging
Asian American population needs access to various services
provided New Jersey Department of Human Services and Health
and Senior Services. I would like to commend the
organization in its efforts to educate, and help the
community access various available services, such as
healthcare, senior daycare, etc.,” said Assemblyman
Chivukula.
“Through
organizing state and nation-wide forums and health fairs, we
will continue to provide Asian Americans with information,
education and services related to health issues. We will
continue advocating the government and social agencies to
eliminate disparity and inequality in healthcare and other
matters,” said Mr. Rantik Parikh. Mr. Parikh invited all
Asian American Organizations to come together in unity and
harmony, affiliate their organizations with AAAHS, let AAAHS
act as a cyberspace to disseminate information to promote
each other’s ideas, events, programs and issues and let
AAAHS act as a common platform to exchange resources,
wisdom, ideas and knowledge in order to achieve ultimate
goal of helping and empowering Asian American Community. |
