SASF and SMUD Celebrate the Grand Opening of All-Electric Kitchen at June 16 Ceremony
SASF Directors with Congressional Representative Doris Matsui; Dave Tamayo, SMUD Board President;
Paul Lau, SMUD CEO; Bobbie Singh-Allen, Mayor, Elk Grove; Rosanna Heber, SMUD Board Director, Ward 4.
Excerpts from Remarks by SASF Directors Joel Kunisaki, Don Lee, and Eric Wong
"Welcome to an exciting chapter in SASF history! Today, we celebrate the revitalized SASF Kitchen—a vision of the SASF Board made possible through
SMUD's Community Impact Plan Business District Electrification Program."
"This journey began in 2021 with SASF's first SMUD Shine Award, which funded upgrades including rebuilt HVAC systems and LED lighting throughout
the gym and parking lot. Those improvements laid the foundation for the kitchen’s transformation from natural gas
to all-electric appliances, including our impressive new induction woks. These upgrades will become the cornerstone
of our food service operations and help power our now-legendary Crab Feeds for years to come."
"Together, SASF and SMUD will host quarterly kitchen demonstrations featuring guest chefs who will showcase the
power, efficiency, and versatility of all-electric and induction cooking. These events will be open to our members,
guests, and the broader community. We also look forward to opening our doors for kitchen tours, welcoming
community members, culinary professionals, and restaurant owners who want to learn more about the benefits of
energy-efficient kitchen technology."
Jimmie Yee and Don Lee
"With this dedication, we also honor Jimmie Yee, whose vision for a community gathering place inspired SASF's
founders to think big. Jimmie was instrumental in securing the land, bringing together donors, and helping turn
that vision into the thriving community center we celebrate today."
View Event Pictures
Don't Miss SASF's Ballroom & Line Dancing Night!
There's still time to join us for an evening of dancing, music, and community at SASF's Ballroom & Line Dancing Night on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM at SASF in Elk Grove.
The evening begins with ballroom dancing from 7:30-9:00 PM, followed by line dancing from 9:00-10:30 PM, featuring instruction by Selina Chi from Southern California and music by Sacramento's own Henry Lim.
Best of all, your participation supports SASF's Sports for Life Program, helping empower individuals with special needs through sports, friendship, and confidence-building.
Tickets are $25 before August 1 and $30 after August 1.
Gather your friends, wear your non-marking dance shoes, and join us for a memorable night supporting a great cause. We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!
Purchase Tickets
Community Stories: More Than a Sports Facility
A Place of Peace: Ms. Ana Fotu'aika Reed’s Sunset Story
For nearly four years, one special member of our community has been quietly visiting the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation—not to play a sport or attend an event, but simply to watch the sunset.
Meet Ms. Ana Fotu'aika Reed, who was born in the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga and will celebrate her 62nd birthday this November. Ms. Ana's connection to SASF began when she attended one of her grandson's games. As she looked beyond the courts, she noticed something she had never expected—a breathtaking sunset stretching across the western sky.
That single moment became a daily tradition. "I look forward to coming to SASF every day to watch the sunset."
For Ms. Ana, these evenings are about much more than enjoying nature. "I spend my time alone worshipping God. It's the time of day I look forward to the most. I enjoy life by talking to God, and it's the best feeling I could ever ask for."
Whenever life becomes difficult, she knows exactly where she wants to be. "Whenever I have any problems, every time I come to SASF to watch the sunset, I always go back home feeling so much better. I feel so peaceful."
She believes there is something truly special about the space behind SASF. "Behind this place at SASF is one of the best places to visit whenever you're feeling down." The only time she misses her sunset visits is when she is traveling outside California. "I'm going to visit SASF even when I'm sick."
Music is another important part of Ms. Ana's life. She is a gospel singer who performs with her three sisters. Sometimes, while watching the sunset at SASF, she quietly sings, worships, or plays her ukulele. For Ms. Ana, these moments are her daily therapy—a peaceful time to talk with God, reflect on life, and return home feeling renewed.
Over the years, Ms. Ana has become a familiar face at SASF. Staff members often see her while setting up for events or breaking down after a busy day. They have come to know and respect her quiet routine, greeting her with a warm wave and a smile while honoring the peaceful time she has carved out for herself. She has become a cherished part of the SASF family.
Ms. Ana's story reminds us that SASF is more than a sports facility. It is a place where people come to play, gather, volunteer, celebrate—and sometimes simply to find peace.
We are grateful that SASF has become a place where one person can reconnect with God, find comfort after difficult days, and experience the simple healing that comes from watching the sun set.
Thank you, Ms. Ana, for sharing your story and for reminding us that sometimes the greatest gift a community can offer is not a program or an event—but a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and at peace.
Summer League is Underway at SASF!
Our Summer Basketball League is in full swing, and the gym has been filled with energy, excitement, and community! With more than 200 players participating across our three divisions, it has been an incredible season so far.
Monday and Wednesday nights have featured competitive games for our 4th–6th grade boys and girls divisions, with players demonstrating teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship as they compete on the court every game. On Thursday nights, our Kindergarten–3rd grade co-ed division brings a different kind of excitement, creating an atmosphere full of smiles, laughter, high-fives, and encouragement as our youngsters develop their skills and love for the game.
Of course, our Summer League experience would not be complete without a visit to our AMAZING concession stand! Our dedicated volunteers continue to serve up fan favorites like shoyu weenies, spam musubis, and refreshing freezes, making it a must-stop for players, families, and fans alike.
Thank you to our players, coaches, volunteers, families, and supporters for making this season such a success. We look forward to seeing everyone in the gym as we finish another amazing summer together!
Teens Create Dreams is BACK! Support Our Youth Leaders And Contestants!
Returning after a year's hiatus, a dynamic group of teens is leading the charge. With advice from Julie Ota and Felix Wada and past TCD'ers Isabella Paragas, Levi Bodner and Kaylee Wong and mentorship provided by Ted Fong, Mel Fong and Eric Wong, the teens are doing all the planning and execution like in past years.
They quickly realized that staging a successful event is a huge effort. To their credit, they have energetically embraced "There’s no business, like show business," and "lights, curtains, action!"
The SASF teen board, in their own words: "SASF's Teens Create Dreams (TCD) stood out as a golden opportunity for me. TCD is an effort by Sacramento teens to produce a talent show, start-to-finish. TCD appeals to hardworking, creative, and passionate students, and it allows us to gain experience with real-world skills, including communication with colleagues, leadership, marketing, and handling finances. We work with experienced mentors who guide meetings and efforts, but we are given the stage to prove our own abilities. Creating an environment where young performers can show their talent is extremely fulfilling, as is giving back to our community through the proceeds of our show. TCD is an incredible opportunity for Sacramento teens who want to create dreams."
TCD is taking video submissions for youth who live in the greater Sacramento Region and who want to show their talent to a live audience, for a chance to win a $2,000 grand prize! All talents are welcome, including musical performance, dance, and more. More info about auditioning can be found at: tr.ee/TCD26
Come see the Live Show, October 10th! Location to be announced.
Help the youth leaders and contestants achieve their dreams. Donations can be made on the SASF donation page. Make sure to designate your donation to "Teens Create Dreams" under the additional details section. Or you can send a check made out to SASF, note it is for "TCD 2026" in the lower left corner and mail to 9040 High Tech Court, Elk Grove, CA 95857.
TCD Board
McClatchy High School: Gavin Yoshimura, Jordan Nguyen, Landon Warriner, Colin Nguyen, Nolan Yoshimura, Linden Lee, Sienna Ratanasen, Luca Vermeire, Merissa Lau, Addison Yee, Melody Chan, Louis Russell
Laguna High School: Jalen Philavong
West Campus: Melia Tahara
Franklin High School: Jade Nicula, Daniel Soohoo, Linna Ni, Ethan Phang
Christian Brothers High School: Alyssa Domine, Aaron Snyder
Audition for the TCD Talent Show
The Jan Ken Po Gakko Craft Fair is BACK at SASF!
Join us for the Jan Ken Po Gakko Craft Fair — a fun, family-friendly event celebrating community, culture, food, and local artisans!
Join us for the Jan Ken Po Gakko Craft Fair — a fun, family-friendly event celebrating community, culture, food, and local artisans!
Enjoy delicious food from:
- Jan Ken Po Gakko (Chef Chris & Parent Volunteers)
- Chic's Fried Chicken – Aviators Restaurant
- L&L Hawaiian BBQ
- Don Lee’s Chow Mein (SASF)
Where: Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation, 9040 High Tech Ct, Elk Grove, CA 95758
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
FREE Admission + complimentary raffle ticket for adults, and additional raffle tickets for purchase.
This special fundraiser supports Jan Ken Po Gakko, a nonprofit parent cooperative dedicated to sharing Japanese-American culture through language, music, arts, cooking, and hands-on learning experiences for children and families.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for vendor spotlights and event updates!
Bring your friends and family and come shop small businesses while supporting a great community tradition!
Thank You for Your Generous Support
We are extremely grateful to the many individuals, families and businesses who continue to support and donate to SASF throughout the year.
- Paul & Rosaline Lau via United Way (SMUD)
- Bradley Crandall via United Way (State of California)
- David Hironaka via United Way (State of California)
- K S Mori via United Way (State of California)
- K S Ng via United Way (State of California)
- Jeanie Voong via United Way (State of California)
- Michael Watanabe via United Way (State of California)
- Dan Yamanaka via United Way (State of California)
- Stephen Hong via vehicle donation
SASF's Standard Online Donation Method
Donate Online
2026 SASF Sponsors
Subscribe to SASF's email newsletter to get the latest information
Read previous SASF newsletters