Korean American Foundation Celebrates Generous Donation Benefiting KASEC
The Korean American Foundation (KAF) hosted a summer soiree on August 22, 2024, to celebrate a significant milestone in its mission to support the Korean American community. The event was held at the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Yang, where the couple announced a generous $100,000 donation to KAF. This contribution marks the second installment of a $500,000 pledge by the Scott and Christina Yang Foundation towards a matching grant established to benefit the Korean American Special Education Center (KASEC). This initiative aims to help KASEC reach its $1 million funding goal.
Founded in 2000, KASEC is a pioneering resource center dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities within the Korean American community. As the first Korean-English bilingual center of its kind, KASEC provides up-to-date information, resources, and services, playing a crucial role in the lives of those it serves.
The evening's program included KAF Board Secretary, John Lim, welcoming guests and highlighting the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to building meaningful connections with the second-generation Korean American community. The soiree was primarily attended by English-speaking, second-generation guests, representing a new wave of philanthropists within the Korean American community. The highlight of the evening was a touching performance by the Harmonia Music Ensemble, comprised of talented KASEC students. The students also shared personal testimonials, speaking about the transformative impact KASEC has had on their lives.
In a heartfelt speech, Rosa Chang, Executive Director of KASEC, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are truly honored to be selected as a KAF grantee and are thrilled to be part of KAF’s inspiring philanthropy journey. The support from the Scott and Christina Yang Foundation is vital in continuing our mission to serve those with developmental disabilities in our community.”
Mr. Scott Yang, the distinguished original developer of the Koreatown Plaza, Los Angeles’ first three-level indoor mall, spoke about his commitment to giving back to the community. “Supporting KASEC through the Korean American Foundation is a deeply personal mission for Christina and me. We believe in the power of community and the importance of providing resources and opportunities for all. It’s about building a future where everyone has a chance to thrive,” said Mr. Yang.
Kevin Kang, Chairman of KAF, extended his gratitude to the Yang family for their generosity, saying, “We are deeply grateful to Scott and Christina Yang for their support and generosity. Their gift not only helps ensure that KASEC can continue its invaluable work but also reinforces KAF’s role as a trusted steward of charitable funds within our community. Together, we are building a legacy of compassion and service that will benefit generations to come.”
Established in 2018, the Korean American Foundation is the first community foundation serving the Southern California Korean American community. With a mission to build a $10 million endowment fund through pledges from 100 Founding Members, KAF aims to support various non-profit organizations dedicated to enhancing the welfare and development of the Korean American community. Since 2021, KAF has distributed approximately $1.16 million in grants to 20 non-profit organizations, making a substantial impact in the lives of those in need.
To learn more about the Korean American Foundation and how to become a Founding Member, please visit www.KoreanAmericanFoundation.org.
