Going Against The Grain: Grace Borrero

Grace Borrero is currently the Manger of Development & New Series for cable’s fastest-growing network, Style.  Her team is in charge of creating fresh content for the channel and overseeing new series from pitch to delivery.  Grace constantly meets with producers to discuss the network’s needs and collaborates with them on developing new shows.  She has nurtured some of the network’s highest-rated series, such as Jerseylicious, Giuliana & Bill, Ruby and Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.  Grace was also the recipient of the 2008 Ingenuity Award for the Comcast Entertainment Group.

Grace graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in English and Minor in Asian American Studies.  While at UCLA, Grace proudly received the Royal Morales Prize in Pilipino Studies and created the Pilipino Organization of English Majors (POEM).  Immediately upon graduation, she jumped into the production world at MTV.  From 1999 – 2003, she focused primarily in production management, handling all logistical aspects of production, such as hiring crews, overseeing shoot schedules and booking locations.  Grace then transitioned into producing and worked on multiple reality shows, such as Lifetime’s Instant Wedding,  VH-1’sKept and MTV’s Next. As a producer, Grace developed storylines, managed talent and helped execute the creative vision of the series with the Executive Producers.

Grace is an active member of the National Association of Multiculturalism in Communications (NAMIC), Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT), Coalition of Asian Pacific American in Entertainment (CAPE), Visual Communications (VC), FilAm Creative, Filipinos Hollywood Mafia (Co-Chair), UCLA Alumni in Entertainment, APA@NBCUniversal (Co-Chair, Professional Development Committee) and the Diversity Council for NBCUniversal.  She has also participated in the NAMIC and WICT Mentorship programs and was a selected participant for the 2011 NAMIC Leadership Seminar.

Full Name
Grace Anne Flores Borrero

Hometown
Diamond Bar, CA

Current City
Los Angeles, CA

Ethnicity
Pilipino American

What does it mean to ‘go against the grain?’ 
‘Going against the grain’ means taking chances and believing in risks.  It means not being satisfied with the status quo, but passionately initiating change for the better.

What made you decide to pursue a career in cable television/entertainment? 
As a college student, my goal was to work in the media and share stories that would touch people, particularly women and ethnic minorities.  The plan was to become a journalist, until I landed a Production Assistant gig at MTV, which I thought, at the time, was the coolest job ever!  I discovered I had a knack for pulling together shoots, especially since my strengths were being ridiculously organized and detail-oriented.  As I climbed my way up the ladder, I found that this was another way of storytelling, except it reached a larger audience than writing would.  Now, my job at the Style Network allows me to connect to our female viewers by creating aspirational and entertaining content that they can relate to.

What challenges have you faced/lessons learned as an Asian American in this field? 
The obstacle I have faced in this industry is being perceived as passive and weak.  No matter how smart I am, or how much work I produce, some people refuse to give me opportunities I deserve because I am viewed as the “quiet little Asian girl.”

What is your biggest accomplishment and why? 
Personally, my biggest accomplishment was completing two marathons (San Diego in 2004 and Las Vegas in 2005).  I’m not a runner by any means, and the fact that I could finish a marathon – twice – still blows my mind. Professionally, my biggest accomplishment was being asked to be on the Diversity Council for NBCUniversal.  Since I started my career in TV, it’s always been a personal priority to get more people of color in front of the camera and more executives behind the scenes.  Being on the Council, I now have a bigger role in ensuring that.  It’s a dream come true!

What’s up next?
I’m continuing to develop more edgy and diverse shows for Style.  I’m also actively networking with the several professional groups – I love connecting people and helping them along their career path!  As a Co-Chair for APA@NBCUniversal, we will be doing a Rock the Vote event in March and a mixer for Asian American Heritage Month in May.

Quotes to live by:
“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe
“You will never change what you tolerate.” – Joel Osteen

Sign:
Snake/Sagittarius

Passionate about:
Diversity and cooking

Favorite food:
Sushi.  However, my last meal on earth would be Chicken Adobo with rice, lumpia and pancit malabon.

Can’t live without:
My family

Year-End Greetings & Thank You

2011 is coming to a close, and as we look back at the many blessings this year has brought, we are grateful for all the support we have received. With your generous contributions, we achieved many ambitious goals.

2011 Fashion for a Passion

Throughout the year, we partnered with California Pizza Kitchen, Pinkberry and Panda Express for “dine for a cause” fundraisers, which allowed us to have fun, eat, and raise money for our organization. We hosted our 3rd annual Fashion for a Passion, showcasing the talents of seven amazing designers, five musical performers and nine exhibiting artists. Our spectacular event was attended by over 300 guests and raised over $20,000 for orphanage aid, outreach programs and the ATG Artistic Scholarship Fund for Asian American students pursuing a degree in the arts. We not only exceeded our goal, we made a record, doubling the amount raised from 2010!

Our documentary, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam, continues to receive accolades and screen at events across the world, from Florida to Australia.  We have plans to go even wider with distribution in the coming year to help the film find its audience and bring more awareness to this unique group of people.

Dragon Boat, Kite & Lantern Festival

And as always, we participated in local and national community festivals, including the GDAACC May Festival, World Festival and we even had our first team of rowers at the DFW Dragon Boat, Kite and Lantern Festival.  Our ATG Rowers did pretty well the first time round, and our hope is to practice and become even stronger and better next year!

Supported orphanages in Vietnam

In addition to promoting education, cultural awareness and Asian American artists, one of our organization’s most important missions is outreach. This year, we provided scholarship to 5 young adoptees to attend culture camps at Catalyst Culture Camp and Vietnamese Heritage Camp, two Artistic Scholarships to deserving and talented young Asian American students and continued aid to orphanages in Vietnam that serve hundreds of children, sending needed food, milk, toys and educational assistance.

We are so blessed to have a hard working and Board and team of volunteers who devote their time unpaid to our organization.  Even though we are a small group, we hope we can and are making a big difference. Thank you for your support to help us achieve these goals. Please continue to be an active participant in our mission to achieve “One Voice. Many Stories.” Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays and all the best in 2012!

Cheers!

Tammy Nguyen Lee
President/Founder

National Adoption Month by Jared Rehberg

On this month, I think about Adoptive and Foster families who offer children a safe, loving and supportive home. For all couples who are fulfilling their dreams of starting a family. I honor the personal journey of so many children and adults who share a similar story as me. This is an important time for adoption and foster care awareness.

My heart goes out to adoptees who begin their search for birth family and heritage as they balance life and their identity struggles. My heart goes out to birth mothers and communities who look out for their care and well being. My heart goes out to adoptees who planning their journey back home to their motherland. I think about my second chance and those who never got one.

To the artist and filmmakers, like Tammy Nguyen Lee, who volunteer their time and talent to help share our lost and sometimes controversial stories. Last and definitely not least, a big thank you to my parents, family and friends for their love and support through out the years. To all my adoptee friends and family around the world, you are not alone, you are not invisible.

Much Love,

Jared

 

Join our 2012 Board of Directors

Are you looking to make a difference? Want to get more involved with the community?

ATG is currently recruiting qualified, enthusiastic, dedicated and experienced leaders to join our 2012 Board of Directors and Committee Chairs!

Here are the current open positions:

Vice President

1. Is a member of the Board

 2. Performs President responsibilities when the President cannot be available. 

 3. Reports to the Board’s President

 4. Works closely with the President and other Board members 

5. Participates closely with the President to develop and implement officer transition plans.

 6. Performs other responsibilities as assigned by the Board.

                                                                                                               

Secretary

1. Is a member of the Board 

2. Maintains records of the board and ensures effective management of organization’s records 

3. Manages minutes of board meetings

 4. Ensures minutes are distributed to members shortly after each meeting 

5. Is sufficiently familiar with legal documents (articles, by-laws, IRS letters, etc.) to note applicability during meetings. 6. Participates in fund raising for the organization.

 

Treasurer

1. Is a member of the Board

 2. Manages finances of the organization and creates monthly income/expense reports.

 3. Administrates fiscal matters of the organization, including audit and tax filing. 

4. Provides annual budget to the board for members’ approval.

 5. Ensures development and board review of financial policies and procedures. 6. Participates in fundraising for the organization.

 

Director of Community Outreach

1. Is a member of the Board. 2. Plans programs and presentations that will translate the organization’s mission to the community. 3. Provide organization linkage and partnerships to other organizations and individuals (including volunteers), working with Directors of Marketing/PR in raising awareness of the organization to the community. 4. Oversee scholarship application and review process. 5. Is an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts. 

6. Participates in fundraising for the organization.

 

Director of Marketing/Public Relations

1. Is a member of the Board. 2. Spearhead campaigns to increase community awareness of organization by means of traditional methods (create printed marketing and promotional materials including postcards, pamphlets, brochures, brag book, display board) and Social Media outlets (update and maintain blogs/website,  e-campaign, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube).  3.  Write news stories and press releases, acting as key liaison to print and news/media organizations and individuals.  5. Is an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.

 6. Participates in fundraising for the organization.

 

Director of Fundraising

1. Is a member of the Board. 2. Strategize and lead year-round fundraising campaigns to search for funds, donations and sponsorships through grants, public solicitation, business partnerships and annual events (including Fashion for a Passion).  3. Is an active participant in the committee’s annual evaluation and planning efforts.

 4. Participates in fundraising for the organization.

 

  Events Chair (non Board) 

1. Work with President and Director of Fundraising to spearhead organization of  Fashion for a Passion, Cocktails for a Cause and any other programming/charity events throughout the year. 2. Research and recruit for designers, artists, musicians. 3. Research and secure venue, vendors and volunteer team. 4. In charge of day of logistics. 5. Proven event planning experience a must.

 

Social Media Chair (non Board)

1. Work with Marketing/Public Relations and Community Outreach Directors to  maintain active and regular presence via Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, website/blog, etc) to increase public awareness and promotion of organization. 2. Increase search engine optimization. 3. Comprehension of all forms of social media a must.

 

Volunteers Chair (non Board)

1. Assist with recruitment, retention and organization of volunteers for community festivals, outreach and programming events.

 

Graphic Designer (non Board)

1. Design printed and online marketing collateral, including brochures, display signage, press packets, email campaigns.

 

Historian (non Board)

1. Photographer/videographer to document ATG’s on-going activities. 2. Create scrapbook and year-end video montage.

 

Street Team (non Board)

1. Assist with Marketing/PR team to help with promotion of organization and fundraising efforts through social media, community outreach and annual charity events. 2. Attend and assist with annual community festivals.

 

Please fill out and return the 2012 ATG Board Application along with your cover letter and resume to Tammy@thebabylift.com by Friday, December 16th. Board elections will be held end of December and announced before the New Year.

Mark your calendar also for the ATG Board Retreat, a mandatory half day introduction/training that will take place either Saturday, January 7th or Sunday, January 8th.

Pink Memo: Fashion for a Passion is a Stunning Success

http://www.pinkmemo.com/dallas/blog/fashion-for-a-passion-is-a-stunning-success/

SCENE | POSTED BY caroline foster | 10.17.2011 | 03:18 PM

The Third Annual Fashion for a Passion charity event combined art, fashion and music to raise money for Against the Grain Productions, a non-profit focused on promoting Asian-American cultural awareness and supporting orphanages. This year’s event was bigger than ever with over 300 attendees participating in the multi faceted event including a silent auction, art exhibition, musical performances by Duette, Miles Machon, Xwansongs, Dette Buentipo and Dorcas Leung, and a runway show with live auction.

 

Hannah Jones, Mina Chang, Don, Katarina Vargas, Thomas Mullins

Hannah Jones, Mina Chang, Don, Katarina Vargas, Thomas Mullins

 

The runway featured work from seven designers including Ann Hoang, Cac Lam, Kyle Ramirez, Hanh Dang, Ninh Nguyen, Judy Yang, and Khanh Nguyen. Each designer showed their pieces and auctioned many of them off as model and actress LeeAnne Locken and Korean actor Randall Park emceed the show. Fashion fiends like Mina Chang, Katarina Vargas, and Aivy Nguyen watched the runway show closely.

 

Khanh Nguyen, Loi Dang, Jeremy Giroir, Aivy Nguyen

Khanh Nguyen, Loi Dang, Jeremy Giroir, Aivy Nguyen

 

The “Yardleigh” organza dress by Watters was one of the top auction items of the night, along with Nha Khanh’s green cap sleeve dress and nude cocoon dress. Overall the night was a stunning success; a total of $20,000 was raised for ATG. Much of the money will be spent for the international orphanages the organization supports, as well as outreach programs and scholarships for Asian American students pursing degrees in the arts.

 

Models Jessica Kuo, Dorothy Hino, Danielle Kelso, Alex Zody

Models Jessica Kuo, Dorothy Hino, Danielle Kelso, Alex Zody

All photos courtesy of Ivy Do Photography.

FFAP Art for Auction

For those of you who did not get a chance to bid, it’s not too late to bid on these works of art for charity!

Contact fundraising@againstthegrainproductions.com if you are interested in making a bid! Proceeds go to benefit ATG’s supported orphanages, outreach programs and the Artistic Scholarship Fund!

 

"Green" by Jin-Ya Huang

 

"Cowboys and Indians" by Jin-Ya Huang

 

"Seaside Vacation" by Jin-Ya Huang

 

"Bird Chandelier" by Van Ditthavong

 

"Yay, Water!" by Budi Tjoenawan

 

"Here Kitty" by Budi Tjoenawan

 

"Whee Kite" by Budi Tjoenawan

 

"If Life Deals You Lemons" (paper cut-out art) by Julene Harrison

 

Photo by Alex Lim

 

Photo by Alex Lim

 

Photo by Alex Lim

 

"OCD" by Monika Hoang

 

"Narcissistic" by Monika Hoang

 

"Alzheimer's" by Monika Hoang

2011 Fashion for a Passion Charity Event Breaks Organization Records

Over $20,000 Raised for Orphanage, Outreach Programs and Scholarships

2011 FFAP Presenting Designers. Photo courtesy of Chi Tran Photography

DALLAS, TX – Dallas-based nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions hosted its the 3rd Annual Fashion for a Passion (FFAP) charity event this past Saturday night at Studios 1019 in the Dallas Design District. The show broke organization records with guest attendance of over 300 supporters who joined to raise over $20,000 net for ATG’s supported orphanages in Asia, year-round outreach programs and the Artistic Scholarship to support Asian American students pursuing a degree in the arts. This also includes a $3,000 commitment donated by a sponsor for an additional leadership scholarship, to be awarded next year. The event included a silent auction, art exhibition, musical performances, and a runway show with live auction.

Top auction bids for the night went for Watters’ “Yardleigh” organza strapless gown for $1,000, as well as Nhã Khanh’s green charmeuse cap sleeve dress and nude cocoon dress, which created a bidding frenzy and fetched a combined total of $1,725. The generous designer, who got her start with FFAP and has participated in all three events, quickly donated a third piece for auction to the losing bidder, much to the guest’s delight.

Watters "Yardleigh" Gown. Photo courtesy of Ivy Do Photography
Nha Khanh Green Cap-Sleeve Charmeuse Dress. Photo Courtesy of Ivy Do Photography
Nha Khanh Nude Cocoon Dress. Photo courtesy of Ivy Do Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2011 FFAP roster of seven designers included Texas’ Next Top Designer finalist Ann Hoang, Art Institute graduates Cac Lam of CacJudi and Kyle Ramirez of Playful Ambitions, Hanh Dang of Lucy Dang, NYC-based menswear designer Ninh Nguyen of NINH Collection, Houston-based Judy Yang and local fashion icon Khanh Nguyen of Nhã Khanh. The show was emceed by actress/model LeeAnne Locken and Korean American actor/comedian Randall Park. Musical guest performers included Duette, Miles Machon, Xwansongs, Kollaboration Houston competition winner Dette Buentipoand ATG Artistic Scholarship Winner Dorcas Leung, who sang a charming rendition of Kristen Chenowith’s “The Girl in 14-G.”  The night included an exhibit of work donated by Asian American artists, including actress Karin Anna Cheung, Van Ditthavong, Julene Harrison, Aristic Scholarship winner Monika Hoang, Jin-Ya Huang, Alex Lim, Justine Olivia Lu and Budi Tjoenawan.

Musical performers collaborating on a group number. Photo courtesy of David Loi
ATG Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of Chi Tran Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“This year’s FFAP was a huge success,” said ATG President/Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee.  “We are so thankful to our hard working Board, volunteers, sponsors, designers, musicians and artists who supported this group effort to give ATG a wonderful night to shine and give light to our cause. We can only be grateful for and humbled by this outpouring of good will.”

Designer Hanh Dang said, “We all came together to raise money and support a greater cause than ourselves. That will definitely leave a lasting impression in people’s minds. I was really impressed with all the strategic planning and coordination that went into pulling this event off. It definitely is on par with any fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion week in New York.”

FFAP guests enjoying the show. Photo courtesy of Chi Tran Photography

Continued musical performer, Xuan Nguyen of Xwansongs, “Fashion for a Passion was an exceptional night where artists from all walks of life came together for one united cause and to inspire others to open their hearts to do the same. We are proud to work with ATG to help make life better for our youth.”

FFAP Guests. Photo courtesy of David Loi

Sponsor Kenny Phaxay of Pinkbery summed up his thoughts. “Against The Grain Productions is a wonderful organization where you can see the passion for charity in each of the volunteers and associates. The Fashion for a Passion event has been one of the most organized and successful events I have seen executed.”

To read more reviews of the event, visit Words of Praise. To see photos from the evening’s event, please visit the ATG Flickr site.

ATG Against The Grain Productions, a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, promotes Asian-American cultural awareness through compelling media projects and raises funds for international orphanages. Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam has received the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film at the Vietnamese International Film Festival and the Documentary Audience Choice Award from the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. For more information, visit www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com or www.TheBabylift.com.

2011 FFAP: Words of Praise

2011 FFAP Presenting Designers. Photo courtesy of Chi Tran Photography

We all came together to raise money and support a greater cause than ourselves. That will definitely leave a lasting impression in people’s minds. I already knew this was a great cause to be involved in but it turned out better than I could have ever expected. I was really impressed with all the strategic planning and coordination that went into pulling this event off. It definitely is on par with any fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion week in New York. – Hanh Dang/Lucy Dang (Presenting Designer)

The show went very well. Everything flowed so smoothly. Everyone worked well together and the talent was amazing. I left feeling like I just came from Hollywood…Everyone was so kind to me, warm, and friendly. – Kyle Ramirez/Playful Ambitions(Presenting Designer)

I am honored to be the first Menswear designer to display a collection at the Fashion For A Passion event this year and to collaborate with Against The Grain Productions to raise awareness and raise funds for underprivileged children around the world. – Ninh Nguyen, NINH Collection (Presenting Designer)

What a great event. Thank you again for this great opportunity. – Judy Yang/JudYang (Presenting Designer)

I had an amazing time co-hosting this year’s Fashion for a Passion. Not only was I able to contribute my time and energy to a worthy cause, but I also was inspired enough to begin my new side career as a runway model.  – Randall Park, Actor/Comedian (Emcee)

Fashion for a Passion was an exceptional night where artists from all walks of life came together for one united cause and to inspire others to open their hearts to do the same. We are proud to work with ATG to help make life better for our youth. – Xuan Nguyen/Xwansongs (Musical Performer) 

The show was fun and amazing…more than I expected. The atmosphere was simply breath taking. Everyone was having fun and everyone was down to earth.The ATG crew that put this together did an excellent job…I can’t wait til next time. – Chris Cuchapin/Xwansongs (Musical Performer)

FFAP is a great event that showcases all types of artists. We are proud that we had a chance to participate, meet, and gain exposure with fellow Asian American creatives. Thanks for helping us and other unknown artists. We are glad to be apart of this cause.. – Tex Sirisawat/Duette (Musical Performer)

It was an honor to be apart of your event! … Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing what you do!  …You are one of most amazing people I know who cares so much and actually does something about it.  You got my support anytime! – Karin Anna Cheung, Actress (Exhibiting Artist)

It is such an honor to be a part of this year’s event. Thank you to all of the Against The Grain Productions Team and their tireless efforts in helping bring attention and awareness to a wonderful cause. – Van Ditthavong, Photographer (Exhibiting Artist)

Once again, you and your team presented a fantastic event.  I’m happy we could again be a sponsor of ATG, and in particular it’s wonderful that you were able to provide the two scholarships.  Congratulations on a successful year and FFAP event! – Milton Lai, Hotels.com (Producer Sponsor)

It was an honor to be apart of ATG’s charity event and see everyone’s hard work come together. I look forward to ATG’s positive outreach to help children around the globe. – Daniel C. Eng, Engvest (Director Sponsor)

I am really proud to have supported Tammy’s efforts to help orphanages.  I think she is a one of a kind person with an amazing spirit, incredibly generous heart, and true talent. – Dr. Sam Lam, Lam Facial Plastics & The Spa at Willow Bend (Star Sponsor)

ATG is a great organization and making a difference in the community. I’m so honored that they invited Lumi to be part of an fun & extraordinary event, FFAP.  – Susie Bui, Lumi Emapanada & Dumpling Kitchen (Couture Sponsor)

Our utmost gratitude to be able help towards such an amazing cause!  Thanks – we had so much fun and can’t wait for more upcoming events! – Kandy Tran, Glitz & Glam Event Rentals (Couture Sponsor)

Against The Grain Productions is a wonderful organization where you can see the passion for charity in each of the volunteers and associates. The Fashion for a Passion event has been one of the most organized and successful events I have seen executed. Thank you so much for letting myself and Pinkberry be a part of something so wonderful. We would love to work with you guys again in the future. – Kenn Phaxay, Pinkberry (Couture Sponsor)

We had such an amazing time and are always happy to attend and work with you for such a great cause…The collections were fabulous, food was great, and venue was beautiful; please keep us in mind next year! – Damaris Grogan, Page Parkes Management (Couture Sponsor)

Fashion for a Passion was a fantastic night of fun and entertainment!  It was so incredible to see the talent of the clothing designers and to visually see what they created up close.  I cannot wait until next year! – Michelle R. Byrd, Ben E. Keith (Couture Sponsor)

Being able to say the we were apart of this amazing orginization and working with such inspiring people (Against The Grain) is such an honor. Every person that we have come in contact with and associated with this event/cause is such an absolute joy. We truly look forward to working with again and again.  – Dianne Gomez, Essensuals London (Service Provider)

As always, it was a great honor to be invited by Tammy and the rest of the Against The Grain organization to help them raise money for the orphans of Vietnam.  I’m always inspired by charities that are driven so passionately to help the less fortunate, so I’m glad I was able to donate some of my time and skills to such a great cause.  I hope Tammy continues to push forward with this project, because I’m happy to see the orphans be given a voice… – David Loi, Kaboga.com (Service Provider)

Working with ATG has been a blast. Everything always comes together in a top-notch fashion. The creativity and talent of ATG hands-down make FFAP the huge success that it is every year! – Travis Petty, Shine 49 Media House (Service Provider)

Studio Lounge had a wonderful time at Fashion for a Passion this year. The whole ATG team was wonderful to work with. I think everyone had a lot of fun and the pictures turned out great. – Seth Pascale, Studio Lounge (Service Provider)

I’m very proud to be apart of ATG again this year.  It gets better every year!  ATG is such a meaningful organization that inspires many of us to lend a hand, and I’m honored to be apart of. I believe in sharing and giving back to those that are not as fortunate.  Keep up the great work, ATG!!!  Thank you! – Nini Nguyen, Nini Style (Service Provider)

What a wonderful event and cause you are working on.  Many thanks for inviting me to take a small part in your cause.  Your friends, family, and staff were all so very wonderful to meet.  Outstanding group of young up and coming professionals and artists.  I’m very excited for the future of FFAP. – Thomas Mullins, Runway Model

I thoroughly enjoyed it and was happy to be a part of a great cause. – Ben Panchasarp, Runway Model

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orphanage Update: Fall 2011

ATG recently sent over funds to assist our supported orphanages with Back to School tuition as well as to celebrate Harvest Moon Festival. Below are heartfelt letters of appreciation we received from the orphanages with an update on the children. Thank you so much for supporting ATG and allowing us to help these children in need!

——-

Dear Aileen and members of the ATG family family.

We will use most of this money [you sent] to pay for the tuition of the children of Uu Dam and buy a little treats for them to celebrate the Mid-Autumn (Moon/Children Festival).  I would like to represent the Board and the orphans of Uu Dam to express our deepest gratitude to the ATG family.

Harvest Moon Celebration at Uu Dam Orphanage

With a small portion from your donation plus donations of other Buddhist friends, on Sunday, we were able to organize the Moon Festival for the orphans of Uu Dam as well as the children from the poor families surrounding Uu Dam.  Our yard was filled with children.  There were about 300 children who participated in the entertainment of dragon dance, lanterns and eating treats.  Though the weather was not very nice, the air was filled with happiness and warm feelings.  The children were so excited and encouraged.  Again, we appreciate that ATG family has contributed to bring happiness on the Children Festival Day to the children of Uu Dam, specifically, and the children of the poor countryside, in general.

Wishing the ATG family always laughter.

(continued)

Lion Dance at Harvest Moon Celebration

Reading your email, I am really touched by your compassion.  Again, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to you and members of the ATG family.

The two children who just passed the University entrance exam are Tu and Hoa.  Tu passed the Economy faculty, while Hoa passed the Telecomunication faculty of the Hue University-Technology and Science.  Both of them have been thru very hard situations.  Tu lost both his parents when he was 4 years- old.  He lived with his uncle, but because his uncle was so poor and has many children, Tu came to the Uu Dam center since the beginning of the 7th grade.  It has been almost 7 years now.  On the other hand, both of Hoa’s parents had HIV and passed soon after.  Hoa and both of his sisters entered Uu Dam Center 6 years ago.  All three of them are good kids and bright students.  Both of Hoa’s sisters are star students of the Phu My school (has both 1st and 2nd Grade classes) for 6 years in a row.

The twins, Xuan and Thu, achieved high grades in college during last year.  They are very good and study very hard.  While we are building the extension, they both have been working hard to help take care of things, because they are the oldest.  That was really helpful to me, and I feel so blessed to have them.

Both Xuan and Thu  received waiver of tuitions.   But tuitions are not much.  For example, at the beginning of the year, each University student must pay VND$3,000,000 for tuition and fees.  In that amount, tuition is only VND$300,000.  The remaining is for health insurance, books and supplies and other fees.  Whether the children are in 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, or 3rd Grade would not matter.  At the beginning of the year,  we must pay VND$600,000/each, then the school will only waive VND$65,000 of tuition.  Then we have to pay for the rest of the payments for the children.

It will only be another month until the extension will be complete.  I will continue to receive more children, but with the condition that they have to be real orphans.

Just a few notes to let you and everyone at ATG know.  I pray for safety and happiness to you and the ATG family.  Hope all is well.

– Uu Dam Orphanage

————

Dear Aileen and the very Dear ATG Group,

I have not written to you and to ATG, but the nuns and the children at Son Ca always remember you and your husband, especially when you visited us and talked about ATG. The Sisters and the children are very touched and will always have the deepest gratitude and feelings toward ATG. We daily pray that Christ and God will bless your family and everyone in the ATG group.

During the past weeks, we were very busy getting the children ready to go back to school.  We have 23 of the children from 6 to 9 years old who are going to elementary school now.  We used to have only one ‘cyclo,’ so we cannot take all of them to school on time.   I made the decision to borrow money from the bank so that we can make four trips each day to take them to schools that are 2km away from the orphanage.

Son Ca orphanage receiving ATG gifts

We just received funds from you and the ATG group.  We spent some of it to buy lanterns for the children to celebrate the Harvest Moon Festival and also to buy them some treats. The remaining amount we used to pay the tuition of the children who are in elementary school.   We were lucky that you and ATG came at the right time to save the day and put out the fire, or else we wouldn’t know what to do.  For the children in middle School and high School, we will apply for reduction in tuitions, but will have to buy and pay for other fees.  This year, we have three students who passed the high school graduation exam and got accepted to universities and/or colleges. Hoài Phúc entered  the Education Major with a minor in English.  Mi Sa will study Accounting, while Minh Ngoc applied to Medical School.  She wants to be able to help the poor people and the children at Sacred Hearts.  That’s her dream, very precious!  We hope you and the ATG group help her to achieve that dream.

In the next few days, I will receive a baby who was abandoned at the hospital, and four children from the highland whose family are so poor that they don’t have enough to eat and go to school.  I received one baby less than a year-old who is so tiny because her mother was only 1m10.  We have been taking good care of her, but she doesn’t seem to grow.  Even so, she is really cute.  You will see what I mean whenever you come back to VN and visit with us again.

Therefore, in total, we will have 70 children and 15 handicapped children.  We hope that God will continue to bless us so that we will have enough energy to help take care of them.

Again, we really appreciate you and the ATG group.  We wish you and the ATG group always are healthy, always happy and achieve all you have wished.

Sincerely,

The Sisters and the Children at Son Ca Orphanage

Learning How to Represent

ATG Board Member Hue Dao Miner recently competed in the 2011 Miss Asian American Texas Pageant. She was given the Asian Activist award, and we couldn’t be more proud of her for venturing to try something new! We asked us to tell her how this experience has changed her. Read her thoughts below:

Hue Dao Miner proudly wears the traditional Vietnamese 'ao dai.'

The lights, the eyes, the attention… they were on us girls. There were 22 of us total competing for the Miss Teen Asian American Texas, for ages 13-17 and Miss Asian American Texas, for ages 18-25. After weeks of rehearsals, our confidence was evaluated on stage. Twenty judges scored us based on talent, interview, and introduction in cultural attire and poise in evening gown. The event was spectacular, being broadcasted live stream.

The Miss Asian American Texas pageant allowed all of us to shine individually. We were clad in our robust confidence, gorgeous cultural and evening gowns. However, we were most proud to represent our countries. We collectively represented Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

I originally participated in the Miss Asian American Texas pageant because the ATG Fundraising Director, Sarah Tang-Horne, was joking around saying that I should compete since I was the youngest member on the Board of Directors, and one of two who could still meet the age requirements. The casual conversation became reality, I wanted to compete. I had to represent! Not only did I represent ATG; I represented my beloved motherland of Vietnam. So participating was more than just me.

I am so grateful to have so many supportive people around me. My mom, Tammy Miner, taught me charm. ATG President and Founder, Tammy Nguyen Lee (Miss Asian American Texas 1999-2001) coached me through the entire process. Miss Vietnam Global Alex Tran let me borrow an evening gown and traditional Vietnamese “ao dai.” I truly felt like a princess that night.

Shining in the evening gown presentation.


I didn’t go into the pageant to win, but to represent my Vietnamese roots and share my adoption story. But once I started participating, I wanted to win to carry on a platform for adoption, not necessarily just the family adoption type, but to adapt oneself into the community to make a difference.

I’ve learned more about my capabilities than ever. Putting together the application made me realize exactly how much I’ve done in the community, not just for one specific group of people, but for a variety of people in different settings. I received the “Asian American Activist Award” for my service. As cliché as it may sound, I’ve also learned that beauty is more than just looks, and that it should be shared with everyone.

Way to represent, Hue!