President Roland Hui's Message

We are one of the longest-running organizations that serve the Asian community in the East Bay. Many of our service projects have long traditions – 53 years for the Easter Pancake Breakfast and 52 years of the Merit Scholarship Awards – and are still going strong. One can only imagine how society and people’s lives have changed in half a century and how many once-thriving clubs have fallen by the wayside. Yet we are still alive and kicking, providing community and educational services just as our founding fathers once did. What’s the secret? I think the answer lies in two seemingly contradictory concepts: steadfastly adhere to the founding principles, and swiftly adapt to the changes of the times. Wa Sung never retreats in its mission to create good will and friendship among the people in the Greater East Bay, and never wavers in its belief that this mission can be accomplished by providing service to those of Asian heritage. These never changed, but that alone does not explain our success. What made the difference is that we also made key changes in response to a rapidly changing society. When we first got started, we had 16 members, all Chinese men. When membership retention and growth became an issue, we opened up membership to everyone who shared the same idealism in public service, regardless of gender or ethnicity. I have also noticed that our service projects and fundraisers have changed quite a bit over the years, no doubt due to changes in the economy, public taste, available resources, and the like. Any forward-looking organization must keep on planning and  I am pleased to announce that we have formed a new committee to work on “5 Year Plan II”. Let’s talk and share your ideas for the future of Wa Sung.

Merit Award Scholarships

The Wa Sung Community Service Club began awarding scholarships in 1957 to outstanding students of Asian descent graduating from high schools in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The scholarships are funded from the Perpetual Scholarship Fund, fundraising events, the the generous donations from individuals. The continuing support from the donors, Wa Sung members, and Friends of Wa Sung make these scholarships possible every year.

In 2009, 13 students each received a $1000 scholarship. They were selected among 42 applicants from 20 different high schools in the East Bay. Click here to read the full report.

Easter Pancake Breakfast

For the past 53 years, Wa Sung Easter Pancake Breakfast has been a place where many in the Chinese community had their first "American breakfast" (50¢ then, $3 now) of pancakes, sausages, juice, coffee and tea. It was a gathering place for American-born and immigrant Chinese families and the community. There was also entertainment, Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts for kids, raffle prizes, information booths by sponsors and community agencies, and the Easter bunny passing out treats to the children. It is a perfect family day to enjoy the coming of spring!