A MESSAGE FROM Dave is Fundraising for Museum of Chinese in America - NYC Marathon
In my everyday life, I try to be a good example of an Asian man for the sake of myself, the sake of the Asian community, but especially for my daughter. I push myself to build connections with communities beyond what is considered my comfort zone, so that she has a broad and balanced experience.
I was born and raised in the suburbs of White Plains, New York during the 1970’s. My parents (on the right) were Chinese immigrants. My mother was a registered nurse and my father, an architect. I grew up knowing almost no other Chinese within my community, so I was simply American, but with a Chinese face. This made things a bit confusing as I couldn't see myself as Chinese until someone else pointed it out.
This identity struggle affected my experience on many occasions in both positive and negative ways and now I’m trying to figure out what it all means for my daughter’s experience, who is biracial and sometimes thinks of me as "Chinese, but not really Chinese."
I want her to embrace all her identities and all others, so it’s no coincidence that we chose to raise our daughter in Queens, New York. I will probably always continue to process how my identity factors into my life, but the simple truth is, I’m a very proud New Yorker!
The stories and history that MOCA brings to light, is a critical resource that adds more pieces to the puzzle of what is the American experience.
So, I’m running to help add awareness and represent as I also run through the streets of New York during training and during the marathon.
I'm seeking your additional support to help me carry on in my journey of hope and purpose. To help the museum carry on its mission to tell the stories of countless members of our communities, both past and present, for the sake of our future.
I sincerely thank you for reading this and thank you for your support in all!!!!
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We celebrate every gift and every philanthropist, no matter the size. Philanthropy is voice.
Gifts to the Annual Fund go where they are needed most, enabling MOCA to stay true to its mission by providing an inspiring visitor experience.
Your donation will:
• Allow MOCA to continue creating MOCA Heroes, the Museum’s free, downloadable educational magazines about Chinese American heroes such as Jerry Yang and Tyrus Wong. Take a peak at current magazines targeted to 4th-8th graders on Yung Wing, Chinese Railroad Workers, and Maya Lin at https://www.mocanyc.org/learn/learning-resources.
• Allow MOCA to continue hosting weekly educational activities virtually and week-long virtual and in-person family festivals such as Lunar New Year Family Festival, Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival.
• Allow MOCA to continue organizing FREE public programs such as MOCA Teahouse Reading Club and the MOCA Spotlight Series.
• Allow MOCA to continue offering FREE admission in 2022.MOCA’s work is urgently needed now more than ever. If you are moved by MOCA's 42-year journey, we hope you'll consider making a gift to support our Annual Fund and become part of a continuing lifeline for MOCA.
Your generosity is critical to MOCA's future. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible, and every dollar goes towards strengthening MOCA’s core mission.
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