Editor’s Note :
As the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association and Irvine Chinese School near their 50th anniversary, a special editorial team is collecting reflections from former presidents and principals to preserve this half-century journey.
Cultural Express launches the “Brilliant Fifty” series, featuring selected essays that illuminate the people and stories that shaped our community.
As this organization marks its significant 50th anniversary, I am filled with emotion as I reflect on the journey.
Thirty-five years ago, I walked into Irvine Chinese School with my young children. Those three-hour Sunday classes provided my children with exposure to the Chinese language and culture.
Building Strong · Dreaming Together
Filled with gratitude for that experience, I served as the Chairman of the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association (SCCCA) from 1993 to 1994.
My wife, Ivy Huang, also joined me in volunteering—a true "two for the price of one" scenario. And so, our family embarked on this journey of community service.
Twenty years ago, in 2005, we celebrated the inauguration of the Chinese Cultural Center building : a two-story structure on four acres of land, symbolizing a new milestone for community education.
At that time, the student body had grown to nearly a thousand, representing over six hundred families. Ivy became one of the inaugural board members for the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center.
Faced with an empty educational building containing 25 unfurnished classrooms and a gym, the nine board members worked tirelessly together.
From chalk and pencils to every desk, chair, curtain, and projector, we personally oversaw the planning, preparation, and implementation of every single item, all to ensure the children could start school on schedule.
Former Board Chair Mike Huang (Left) at 1993 SCCCA Forum for three local election candidates : Greg Smith (elected), Marc Goldstone, Mike Ward - elected Irvine Mayor in 1992, again in 1994.
Giving Grows · Kindness Builds
However, reality was harsh. The newly completed educational building faced a funding shortfall.
In 2005, Ivy, as a board member, seized an opportunity and actively involved herself in planning and participating in Cathay Bank's annual Golf Open.
Former SCCCA Board Chair Mike Huang (second from right) led a four-player team in the 2019 Cathay Bank Charity Golf Open. Two SCCCA members in red also served as volunteers.
I first formed a four-person team to represent the school in the tournament that year, and we successfully secured the first donation for the school—a check for over $13,000.
In those days, that sum was substantial enough to provide a solid start and carry the weight of our hopes.
I still vividly remember the first time we participated in the Golf Open; Center Director Tim Cheng and Ivy volunteered together, driving golf carts under the scorching sun, distributing water and drinks along the way, their sweat and smiles forever etched in my memory.
Looking back on my tenure as Chairman, beyond selling gift certificates for fundraising, it was Ivy's selfless and determined efforts that made a profound difference.
For three consecutive years, she tirelessly reached out everywhere, securing donations ranging from small $20 contributions to larger ones of hundreds of dollars.
She raised over $10,000 annually, all of which was used to cover costs for students participating in the Southern California Chinese Cultural events competitions and the Chinese Athletic Games.
I can still recall those two big yellow buses, filled with students and parents, heading off to participate and returning laden with trophies and victories.
During that time, I deeply understood that raising funds is truly challenging, but as long as people are willing to believe and contribute, we can create opportunities for our children.
Passing Faith · Carrying Hope
Therefore, I also decided to form a team year after year to participate in Cathay Bank's Charity Golf Tournament, striving to secure resources for the school. Initially, we raised an average of over $10,000 annually.
Accumulated to date, the total exceeds $200,000, all used for students to participate in various competitions and activities. The 2025 Cathay Bank Charity Golf Tournament has just concluded, and SCCCA received another substantial check for over $10,000.
Former SCCCA Board Chair Mike Huang (far right) attended the awards presentation for the 48th Cathay Bank Charity Golf Open and posed with Cathay Bank and recipient representatives.
This symbolizes that the passion and purpose driving our participation all these years remain as fresh and strong as ever.
Over these past two decades, we have done more than just raise funds; we have been conveying a belief : A belief in the power of culture, a belief in the value of education, and a belief that everyone can contribute a significant force.
This perseverance stems from our love for the next generation and our sense of responsibility towards the community.
I feel deeply honored to have been part of this journey, moving forward hand-in-hand with like-minded companions. This journey will continue.
That initial aspiration and passion will endure in our hearts, continuing to infuse hope and strength for our children, our culture, and our community.（Brilliant Fifty XVI）