On December 7th, Assemblymember Ed Chau (D-Monterey Park) honored six outstanding individuals and three organizations with the “Make A Difference” Award for their dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life for many people in the community. The award ceremony took place during the Assemblymember’s annual “Holiday Toy Drive” in the City of Alhambra.

“There is no better time to recognize these individuals and organizations for the positive impact their altruism has on our communities than during the holiday season, which represents a time of generosity and giving,” said Assemblymember Chau. “Their dedication and contributions to the 49th Assembly District are truly inspirational and I hope that others will follow their example by volunteering and continuing to make a difference in our communities.”

The 2015 award recipients included: Ms. Bee Hsu; Boys & Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley; Ms. Drue Lawlor; El Monte’s Promise Foundation; Ms. Joan Holtz; Mr. Paul Ho-Sheng Hsu; Mr. Paul Perez; San Gabriel Humane Society; and Mr. Vince C. Fazio Jr. were joined by all of the elected official attending this event.

Family, friends, and neighbors also met with the Assemblymember during the “Holiday Toy Drive” to discuss legislative issues, services and programs offered by the district office, and to celebrate the holiday season. All toys collected will be donated to non-profit organizations for distribution to families in need within the 49th District.

“In the spirit of the holidays, it is a pleasure to bring together various communities in my district to celebrate,” said Assemblymember Chau. “I am extremely grateful for the generosity demonstrated by constituents who donated toys that will bring smiles to many children during this season.”

Alhambra Mayor Luis Ayala said he was happy to host Ed Chau’s Toy Drive in Alhambra. What a better way to begin this event is with the children. He introduced Ed Chau to the guests.

Assemblymember Ed Chau thanked everyone for attending this special event for the honorees and the Christmas Toy Drive. Christmas is very special for him. It is a chance to be with family and friends.

He spoke about some of his bills that were approved into law that included bills on affordable housing, anti-hacking, hospital language access and security data breaches.

The Garvey School District Rhythmax provided entertainment during the event.

Norma Edith Garcia from El Monte Promise Foundation received an honor for their

positive systemic changes to the government and school systems in El Monte and the surrounding cities. She accepted the award from Assemblymember Ed Chau with Senator Ed Hernandez at her side.

Paul Perez, a longtime Monterey Park resident, was honored for volunteering in his services to his community as a Traffic Commissioner, ESL teacher and Citizen Patrolman. He received his award from Assemblymember Ed Chau with Alhambra Mayor Luis Alaya at his side.

Joan Holtz, a longtime resident of El Monte, was honored for her environment and progressive causes. She has been a member of the Sierra Club since 1968. She received her award from Assemblymember Ed Chau with El Monte Mayor Andre Quintero at her side.

Bee Hsu, a Boardmember of the Chinatown Service Center, was honored for providing valuable services to the immigrant community.  She received her award from Assemblymember Ed Chau with Trustee Mike Eng at her side.

Drue Lawlor, a leader in the area of interior designs, was honored for her ability to design interior spaces that will benefit people of all ages. She received her award from Assemblymember Ed Chau with Alhambra Councilmember Barbara Messina and San Gabriel Chambermember Sandy Orozco at her side.

Cindy Rigney from the San Gabriel Humane Society was honor for their mission to rescue and finding homes for pets that need adopting. To date, they have found homes for 339 dogs and 279 cats. She received her award from Assemblymember Ed Chau with Monterey Park Councilmember Hans Liang and her Boardmembers at her side.

Paul Ho-Sheng Hsu was honored for his incredible volunteerism in the San Gabriel Valley. He volunteers in traffic safety and parking management. He also volunteers for many service clubs. He received his award from Assemblymember Ed Chau with El Monte Councilmember Jerry Velasco at his side.

Vince C. Fazio, Jr. is a devoted member of the Elks Lodge in Temple City and long time businessman. He served his country during the Vietnam War.  He was honored for his volunteer service to his community. He called this honor his homecoming since the veterans from Vietnam were not honored for their service to our country. He received his award from Assemblymember Ed Chau with his wife and Water Boardmember Brian Urias at his side.

J R Dzubak from the Boys and Girls Club of the West San Gabriel Valley was honored for their dedication to serve over 3,900 children annually through their after-school and summer programs. The club has offered life-changing programs to the youth in the local community for the past 43 years. He received his award from Assemblymember Ed Chau with Water Boardmember John Leung at his side.

Assemblymember Chau congratulated each of the honorees. He thanked the residents for their support. He wished everyone Happy Holidays!

Daisy Ma and Henry Lo assisted Mr. Chau with this special event.

The toys were donated to the West San Gabriel Valley Boys and Girls Club, Home of Angels, Asian Youth Center and Parents of Murdered Youth.