Organization Highlights Thirty Years of Service and Thirty-Five Years of the Vietnamese American History

Houston, TX (May 1, 2010) – To honor the thirty five year anniversary of the Vietnamese American community and celebrate Boat People SOS’ (BPSOS) thirty years of service, the organization launched its 30-35 national campaign in Houston, Texas with a successful fundraising dinner and silent auction at the Hilton Garden Inn on Friday, April 23, 2010. With over three hundred supporters in attendance, BPSOS shared the spotlight with civic leaders to highlight the progress and growth of the Vietnamese American community.

Dr. Thang, BPSOS Executive Director, cut 30-35 Anniversary cake at the event. (photo by Cuong Tran)

“Originally founded by a group of compassionate former Vietnamese refugees to help rescue other refugees at seas during the boat people crisis, BPSOS has risen over the years, overcoming great challenges to respond to the urgent needs of a new Vietnamese American community,” said Dr. Nguyen Dinh Thang, BPSOS Executive Director. “Thirty years later, these core values are still our guiding light. We are here to empower, organize, and equip Vietnamese individuals and communities in their pursuit of liberty and dignity.”

With a standing ovation from Congressman Al Green, who delivered a strong speech about the Vietnamese contribution to the economy, the intellectual capacity, and the vibrant civic life in Houston, BPSOS hosted a memorable dinner that honored Dr. Ho Ngoc Tram, M.D., and clothing designer and Bravo TV’s “Project Runway” winner Chloe Dao for their continual efforts to support and strengthen the community. Attendees, who included event sponsors VN Teamwork, Direct Furniture and Cao & Associates, P.C., were also treated to an especially powerful documentary by Duc Nguyen titled “Bolinao 52,” which chronicled a family’s harrowing escape from the Communist takeover in Vietnam to freedom in the United States.

“[BPSOS’ 30-35 campaign] is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Vietnamese community,” said Chloe Dao during her keynote speech. “My parents were two of the braved ones, who risked everything they had to ensure that their eight daughters would have the freedom to choose, and the rights to find and enjoy success.”

The dinner, which successfully raised over $11,000 to help the Houston branch continue many of its services for the community, including legal aid, financial assistance, disaster case management, health and mental health care, employment education, domestic violence and ESL/ citizenship classes, is just one of a series of community engagements nationally and overseas to educate the public about the history of Vietnamese Americans, and foster support to mobilize and empower the Vietnamese community.

The organization plans to host additional events in the coming months, including appearances at national conferences and conventions, film screenings, and commemorative events, and will celebrate its official thirty-year anniversary at a national gala later this fall. In the meantime, BPSOS Houston hopes that this year’s events will spark an interest among the community to continue celebrating its history and fostering civil society development in Vietnam.

“The event was a tremendous success for our community,” said Trish Nguyen, BPSOS Houston Senior Branch Manager. “It not only solidifies our presence here in Houston, but also serves as a reminder that we have not forgotten the sacrifices and the difficult journey many have made to help our community to what it is today.”

For more information about BPSOS or to sponsor upcoming 30-35 events, please contact Phale Le, National Public Relations Coordinator, at 281-530-6888.

###

BPSOS, Inc. is a national Vietnamese American community organization with 17 office locations across the United States and 2 offices in Southeast Asia. The nonprofit’s program areas include direct services, emergency response services, advocacy, media, community development, and research. For more information, visit www.bpsos.org.