Giving Back and Paying It Forward: Graduates Reflect on Their SASF Experiences
Congratulations to all the graduates of 2024! A big thank you to all the graduates in SASF programs Strive for Strength and Teens Create Dreams for their dedication to the programs throughout the school year. We wish you all the best in your next chapter!
Marissa Gong: 2024 Strive for Strength Co-President, 2021-2024 TCD Board Member
Being a part of SASF's programs for four years has helped me in numerous ways. From being a board member on the Teens Create Dreams board during COVID, to planning and executing the first ever mental health festival as Strive 4 Strength co-president, every year was a new adventure. Not only did I learn resilience and patience but was also able to build my connections for the future. Thanks to SASF and their programs, I was able to foster my love for serving the community and find my passion. This fall I'll be attending UC Irvine to study Social Policy and Public Service.
Nola Nishio: 2024 Co-President for Strive for Strength, TCD Board Member
As a member of both the Strive for Strength and Teens Create Dreams boards, I have found SASF to be a useful for networking and connection with others. Participation in these SASF-affiliated programs provided me with the opportunity to learn valuable leadership skills and allowed me to make a positive impact on the community in a way I would not be able to do on my own. I will be taking all that I have learned and experienced through SASF to college, attending UC San Diego in the Fall, majoring in Social Psychology.
Lauren Anderson: Strive for Strength and Teens Create Dreams
Being a part of the SASF community and its programs has allowed me to meet some amazing people and make so many memories that I will never forget. In both Strive for Strength and Teens Create Dreams, I have gained important leadership and time management skills, and I have connected with my peers and community in ways that I had never thought possible. I am so grateful for everything I have learned through SASF. I will continue to hone the skills I have been taught at UC Santa Barbara in the fall, majoring in biology and on a pre-med track.
SASF Awarded the Inaugural Barry Lee Community Impact Award
On June 6 at Happy Garden Restaurant, several SASF Board members and guests attended the Sacramento Asian Peace Officers Association 29th Annual Community Awards Banquet fundraiser. This year's event was special because the SASF was selected as the first recipient of the Annual Barry Lee Community Impact Award. SASF was honored to be recognized for all the work we do for the betterment of our community. SASF was not only recognized with the Barry Lee Community Impact Award but additionally received Certificates of Recognition from the California Legislature from Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen and County of Sacramento Board of Supervisors from Supervisor Pat Hume.
All SASF supporters knew of Barry Lee’s presence as a vital member of the famous SASF Kitchen Crew led by Don and Joey Lee. Barry’s willingness to keep the environment in the kitchen light but orderly will definitely be missed. Barry Lee’s wife May is another valued member of the SASF Kitchen Crew. Barry Lee’s family are all huge supporters of the SASF.
SASF Summer League 2024 was a Blast!
Thank you to all of the families who participated in the Summer League this year. Friday nights were a blast as we got to watch over 120 kindergarten through 3rd graders play basketball. We also had over 40 volunteer coaches ranging from 9th grade - 12th grade who helped encourage, engage and guide the players all summer. Throughout the summer, the energy, excitement and smiles were widespread.
A special thanks to Jan Yoshioka, Kyle Abdelnour and Brad Fujii for their time and efforts in planning and coordinating the league. Another special thanks to Matthew Tokeshi-Nitta and his crew for organizing the concession stand. Players and families were able to enjoy home cooked dishes, spam musubi, and freezes throughout the summer. We hope to see you back next year.
SASF Basic Hoops Basketball Clinic 2024 was a Success!
Earlier this month, SASF hosted its annual Basic Hoops Clinic, a basketball camp designed for kids entering Kindergarten through 3rd grade. The camp’s mission is to teach the fundamentals of basketball in a fun and supportive environment. Throughout the week, campers learn essential skills such as shooting, dribbling, passing, and defense. The success of the camp is largely thanks to the dedicated volunteers, with nearly 40 coaches supporting the 60 campers this year. If you're interested in signing up for next year, follow SASF on social media and keep an eye out for registration details in the Spring newsletter.
Join ACC Senior Services for Together We Rise United Against Hate on Saturday 9/21
ACC Senior Services is collaborating with Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP), Asian American Liberation Network (AALN), and the Buddhist Church of Sacramento for a multicultural event on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 10am - 2pm, Together We Rise: United Against Hate in honor of United Against Hate Week. There will be food, performances, a panel discussion from community leaders and elected officials, and a Cultural Sensitivity training.
REGISTER - Together We Rise: United Against Hate
The Cultural Sensitivity training will be from 9:30am - 10:30am for high school students, but adults can also participate.
High school students: email sep@accsv.org to register for Cultural Sensitivity Training
Donations
We are extremely grateful to the many individuals, families and businesses who continue to support and donate to SASF throughout the year.
July 2024
- Karen Cotton for Strive for Strength
- Karen Cotton in memory of Melvin Gee
- Gordon & Donna Kunisaki in memory of Garret Chong
- William & Tracie Yee in memory of Jean Ota
- Marilyn & Russell Van Loben Sels for Mae Fong's 100th birthday
- Julie Nishite for SASF Golf Tournament
August 2024
- Norma On for Strive for Strength
- Elaine Kurashige for Strive for Strength
- Randy Tahara for Strive for Strength
- Jeff & Teresa Harada in memory of Betty Matsuura
- Jeff & Teresa Harada in memory of Yoshiko Ota
- Gordon & Donna Kunisaki in memory of Kelvin Yamada
- Kristy Marino in memory of Garret Chong
- James Dui
- Victor Lee
SASF relies on the generous donations from community members to fund the day-to-day operations of the facility, and the support for sports and youth programs.
Consider Donating Through Chris Wong's PG&E Community Connect Giving Fund
Growing up with SASF, Chris is giving back through PG&E's match program which matches donations dollar for dollar, up to $5,000. Chris is SASF's sponsor for PG&E’s Peer to Peer Fundraising Community. As a PG&E employee, he invites you to donate to a cause that he cares about. PG&E employees select the nonprofits that they support through Peer-to-Peer Fundraising and PG&E matches contributions to eligible organizations.
"I grew up in this program, first in summer basketball league and giving back as a basketball coach and referee. This organization does so much for the communities of Sacramento and Elk Grove. Their dedication to youth development through sports and leadership programs include teen women empowerment, a talent show completely organized by youth, and basketball, ages 7-18. They have added new programs to address teen mental health, and sports programs and a fishing derby for special needs youth. Pickleball for Seniors continues to grow by leaps and bounds. An anticipated program with SMUD includes classes on the use of modern and efficient kitchen equipment."
"Join me and my friends who participated in SASF programs and are now giving back in different ways. Donate via the PG&E YourCause website using the Guest option."
SASF's Standard Online Donation Method
Donate Online
2024 SASF Sponsors
Thank you for your generous support!
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