Richard Gorman welcomed the guests to the Monterey Park Library Foundation Gala held at Ocean Star Restaurant on June 6.

Alicia Martinez was the Master of Ceremony. She welcomed all of the elected officials and guests to this special event.

Peter Chan, President of the Foundation and City Librarian Norma Arvizu welcomed everyone to this special dinner and dance.

Mr. Chan reminded the guests that this event is to raise money for the library to buy new equipment and books. We are now opened seven days a week. Enjoy the evening. He thanked Virginia Greene for this successful event. Enjoy!

Mrs. Arvizu thanked everyone for being here tonight. Your participation and support for the library is wonderful. Thank you for this successful event.

Virginia Greene introduced the honorees and their escorts.

The Women of Monterey Park are Marian Hallin for Education; Shirley Hwong for Community Service; Cici Lau for The Arts; Patricia Reichenberger for Government and Mary Wong for Business.

Congressmember Judy Chu said our library is the center of our city in so many ways. You are equal at the library. It is a safe haven to read and research. Our library helps thousand of immigrants to become US citizens and learn English. She told a story about a young woman who credited LAMP in helping her learn English at the library. The library helps everyone. She reminded the audience that she served on the Council for 13 years. We needed a new library, as it was so old and crowded, so we raised $4 million through a bond issue that passed by 14 votes and $600,000 more from local donations. We were able to match state grant funds of $8.9 million to build the new library in 1998. We were the only library in Los Angeles County to receive the state grant. People who cared voted to make all the difference in the world. She thanked all of the people who helped raise the funds for the library.

Judy Chu presented the award to Marian Hallin for her support of education and the community.

Marian Hallin thanked everyone. She loves education. This is a special award.

Judy Chu said Shirley Hwong has been the city since 1974. She has donated her time to the city by serving on various commissions and committees. Shirley Hwong is a great fundraiser and deserves this award.

Shirley Hwong thanked God, the Monterey Park Library Foundation and the staff for their hard work for us at the library. She thanked her fellow commissioners.

Assemblymember Ed Chau congratulated all of the honorees. They share a strong motive to serve the community. He thanked them and the library staff for the great library.

Ed Chau recalled Pat Reichenberger’s long time service to the community as a Councilmember and commissioner on several commissions over the years. He presented her with the award.

Pat Reichenberger said she is proud to serve the city of Monterey Park. She grew up here. She thanked the foundation for this award.

Ed Chau called Cici Lau an accomplished actress who has performed on stage, TV, in film and commercials. She has also directed many plays. He presented her with the award.

Cici Lau said she was happy to receive this award and walk on the red carpet. She will continue to do live shows to serve the community on special issues. She loves comedy. She thanked David Lau, her husband and her family for their support.

Community College Boardmember Mike Eng said the library is special in Monterey Park. He thanked the Board, Foundation, Friends and Junior Friends of the Library. He served on the Library Board and Council. He stated that some special people are involved in the city. You know when you meet them. He named the honorees who support Monterey Park.

Mike Eng presented Mary Wong with the award for her dedication to the community. She created Project NEO a non-profit tutor/mentor program. She is a partner with the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library program called the Reading Rockets program. Its success led to the library receiving one of eight nationally awarded Public Library Association’s Innovations in Literacy Awards.

Mary Wong said she is humbled and honored to receive the award. She congratulated all of the honorees. She thanked all of her supporters of the program. She thanked the library for their support. She thanked City officials Paul Talbot and Peter Chan, her 90-year-old mother, her staff and boardmembers for their support. The power of one is great; the power of two is greater. She thanked several of her teachers who integrated her into the American life and helped her achieve success.

Marian Hallin; Shirley Hwong; Cici Lau; Patricia Reichenberger and Mary Wong were joined by elected officials: David Lau, Mike Eng, Judy Chu, Ed Chau, Peter Chan, Anthony Wong, Hans Liang, Mitch Ing, Teresa Real Sebastian, Vince Chang, Bob Gin, Thomas Wong and Librarian Norma Arvizu during the event.

The circus may be coming to town at Barnes Park per Virginia Greene. She will provide more information on this future event.

280 guests enjoyed a delicious eight-course dinner.

Bob Gin, Alhambra School Boardmember, introduced the many VIPs that included the City Councilmembers: Anthony Wong, Hans Liang, Peter Chan, Mitch Ing, Teresa Real Sebastian, City Manager Paul Talbot, City Clerk Vince Chang, Congressmember Judy Chu, Assemblymember Ed Chau, Community College Boardmember Mike Eng, Water Boardmember Thomas Wong and former Mayors: David Lau, Francisco Alonso and Pat Reichenberger.

Theresa Amador thanked the generous sponsors and donors for this successful evening.

World War II veterans Dave Fuentes and Bill Sanchez celebrated at the American Legion table.

Richard Gorman, Deana Sewell and Brian Sewell help with the raffles prizes.

Jessica Ramos presented a prize to Armen Sebastian, one of the many winners.

Richard Gorman acknowledged members of the Library Board of Trustees, Library Foundation Board, Friends of the Library and staff for their generous support of the library.

Guests packed the dance floor for an evening of fun. The famous “Happy” was the first song of the night.

The Monterey Park Bruggemeyer is located at 318 S. Ramona Avenue in Monterey Park. The library is now opened seven days a week. For more information on hours, events or donations please call 626-307-1269.