2021 Year-End Message from President Steve Hamamoto
As we near the end of a challenging 2021, I wanted to give you a review of the past year at the SASF. First and foremost, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all SASF supporters. As a 501 c.3 non-profit, we rely on the financial support of the public who truly believe in our work to affect positive change. I would like to give special recognition to SASF volunteers who are so giving of their time in supporting our fundraising efforts. After surviving a financially difficult 2020, we were hopeful that 2021 would be a return to a more normal time where SASF would again be able to hold our numerous fundraising events. Armed with vaccines to slow the spread of the pandemic, hopes were high for a return to normal but here we are at the end of the 2021 year and continuing to deal with the constraints of the delta strain and now the threat of the new omicron variant. SASF will survive with your continued support and will be prepared to take on the new challenges of 2022.
Since the beginning in 1993, SASF began as the home of Asian basketball with the NCCL Church league, competitive Asian Club teams and our own SASF Basketball tournament. The SASF Basketball tournament grew to be the largest Asian basketball tournament in the State with over 160 teams participating. Over time every Asian Club team hosted their own tournaments and the SASF tournament had difficulty attracting teams after a successful run of 20 years. The Asian basketball landscape has changed dramatically. The pandemic has stopped all Asian basketball tournaments and NCCL church league for the last two years. Additionally, youths are finding other sports to explore and find success. SASF has had to reevaluate and change to sustain its relevance and financial viability in the community. Under the stewardship of our Past President Don Lee, SASF has expanded our community programs that assist youths in their development. Additionally, a pickleball program supporting senior adults has flourished, and 2022 brings the renewal of the SASF Golf Tournament Fundraiser.
SASF forged ahead with programs that hopefully will pay dividends in the future to expand our reach into the general public. Diversity will be a key component of our sustainable future. Vice President Eric Wong led the continued development of our SPARK (Suicide Prevention Awareness Reflection Knowledge) program that addresses teen suicide awareness. Elk Grove, Sacramento and Davis Unified School Districts have fully supported SPARK which ultimately will benefit growth in our other youth development programs. Justifying the need for this program was corporate support secured from Sutter Community Health and Kaiser Permanente.
Teens Create Dreams talent show showcased performers live after a delicious dinner provided by the SASF Kitchen Crew. The program started by former SASF Board member Julie Ota in 2009, has grown every year providing youths the opportunity to lead the coordination of the entire event. This year’s event for the first time was held virtually due to the pandemic. Performers from local high schools and the Bay Area confirms a bright future. As SASF continues to work with all local school districts, the Teens Create Dreams program has great potential to grow bigger and better.
SASF's Sports for Life and Pickleball programs have flourished. Sports for Life has continued to provide a great source of skills building, exercise and positive relationships with peers for special needs youth, and pickleball is a great way for seniors to get exercise all year round. Also, we are excited to announce, in partnership with Valley Hi Country Club, the SASF Golf Tournament will return on May 23, 2022! We are working on the final details so set that day aside on your calendar for a fun filled day of golf and dinner with other SASF supporters.
As SASF continues its quest to maintain its standing in the community, the only certainty is uncertainty. We will get past the pandemic eventually. As President of SASF, I am so appreciative of the efforts of our Board, continued community support of our mission, and all the volunteers that allow SASF to continue to be a positive influence on the community. Please stay safe and healthy during the holiday season and I look forward to seeing everyone in 2022!
Blessings,
Steve Hamamoto
SASF President
Thank you for supporting SASF's 28th Annual Crab Feed!
SASF's 28th Annual Crab Feed was a success! Thank you to all who volunteered, purchased meals, made donations and worked very hard for this year's Crab Feed. We were happy to serve you and we thank you for your support. Fundraisers like these help SASF continue to offer free community programs. Thank you for your continued support of SASF!
Happy Holidays from SASF
Happy holidays from all of us at SASF! We want to wish you and yours a happy, safe and warm holiday season. Thank you for being a part of our family and all your support in 2021. We hope you are taking good care, and wish you a healthy and happy 2022!
The Creative Space's Holiday Food & Craft Fair is back again! Saturday, December 18th at SASF
The Creative Space is hosting another Holiday Food and Craft Fair on Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 10AM to 2PM. There will be over 80 small businesses joining from all over NorCal selling products such as home decor, apparel, crafts, food, and so much more!
Osaka-Ya will be back with their exclusive craft fair seasonal items, mixed berry and apple mochi. A new vendor joining the lineup is Borderlands Bakery, a local baker who won an episode of Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge for her decorated sugar cookies. MNLND HI is rolling out new products and bringing their Hawaiian Santa with a special backdrop just for the day! And in the spirit of the holidays, you can buy Southeast Asian snacks from Tuk Tuk Box, whose mission is to share Southeast Asian cultures and experiences through food! A portion of their proceeds go to different BIPOC organizations!
Be sure to stop by and support these amazing businesses! We hope to see you there!
Save the date: Monday, May 23, 2022 is SASF's Golf Tournament at Valley Hi Country Club
SASF's Golf Tournament is back! Please save the date for Monday, May 23, 2022 for SASF's Golf Tournament at Valley Hi Country Club in Elk Grove, CA. More information to come!
From the City of Sacramento: 2022 Spring Landscape and Learning Applications are now OPEN through January 7th at 4pm
2022 Spring Landscape & Learning Youth Employment Program recruitment is OPEN! Youth Aide applications are currently being accepted for the 2022 Spring Season.
The Landscape & Learning program is a workforce development program operated by the City of Sacramento, Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment for young people between 14 and 17 years of age. Youth are hired to work six hours per day, Saturday and Sunday. Youth Aides work in crews, which includes an adult supervisor to provide park maintenance in city parks.
Details:
- Youth Aide - $15 per hour, Saturday & Sunday, 8:00am – 2:30pm (6 1/2 hours per day - includes 1/2 hour unpaid lunch).
- Youth Aide applicants MUST be 14-17 years old on February 5, 2022 and reside within the Sacramento city limits to be eligible (not just have a Sacramento residential address) Please note that not all Sacramento Addresses are within the Sacramento city limits.
- Youth Aide application deadline: Friday, January 7, 2022 – 4:00pm
- Program Dates: Saturday, March 5, 2022 – Sunday, May 22, 2022.
Apply here
Donations
We are extremely grateful to the many individuals, families and businesses who continue to support and donate to the SASF throughout the year. Without your unwavering support, SASF would have had a difficult time surviving the challenges of the past year. Thank you for the following donations received this past month:
- Pro Youth & Families
- David Hironaka via United Way
- Donna Yee
- Tom Tanaka via United Way
- Dan Yamanaka via United Way
- K S Mori via United Way
- Margaret Ching via United Way
- Deborah Seid
- Jeanie Voong via United Way
- K S Ng via United Way
- Sam Hom, in memory of Chee Fat
- Mamie's Administrative Service, in memory of Chee Fat
- Steven & Eileen Park, in honor of Karen Cotton's birthday
- Jean Chong, in honor of Karen Cotton's birthday
- Donald Lee, in honor of Karen Cotton's birthday
- Mike & Lisa Deaderick, in memory of Chee Fat
- Yanyi Situ, in memory of Chee Fat
- Jason Situ, in memory of Chee Fat
- Roger & Florence Fong, in memory of Chee Fat
- Frank & Sally Murphy, in memory of Chee Fat
- Donna Yee, in appreciation of Gordon Low
- Maylene Dong Wong, in memory of Chee Fat
- Betty Fong, in memory of Chee Fat
- Satoshi & Christine Kojima, in memory of Richard Shintaku
- Mabel Hom, in memory of Chee Fat
- Gary Perry Law Corporation, in memory of Chee Fat
- Jimmie & Mary Yee, in memory of Chee Fat
- Yvonne & Eddie Fong, in memory of Jim Namba
- Yvonne & Eddie Fong, in memory of Chee Fat
SASF relies on the generous donations from community members to fund the day-to-day operations of the facility, and the support the sports and youth programs.
Click here to donate