Local teen brothers set up endowment fund at Union Station Homeless Services to provide support for homeless childrenPasadena, CA – Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Richard and Eric Dong, 17-year-old and 16-year-old brothers and residents of Arcadia, seem like your average teenage boys. However, underneath their boyish smiles, you’ll find two talented and philanthropic teens that have been recipients of multiple academic and musical awards including the President’s Volunteer Service Award at gold level, and 2nd place at the America Protégés International Piano and Strings Competition.
But Richard and Eric are only proud of their academic and musical achievements, but also their achievements in community service and philanthropy. It is a passion that has burned within them as long as they can remember.
In August, Union Station Homeless Services announced the establishment of The Richard and Eric Dong Endowment Fund at Union Station, benefiting children that are experiencing homelessness. A contribution of $25,000 has been received for the Endowment Fund from Richard and Eric Dong. The fund will provide scholarships for children in sports, music and the arts, children’s books, staff appreciation, and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights educational programs.
A very special endowment ceremony was held on August 8 at Union Station’ Family Center, a 50-bed shelter for families with children experiencing homelessness. The endowment ceremony, attended by Congresswoman Judy Chu and former State Assembly member, Honorable Mike Eng, included an incredible classical piano performance by the brothers of Hungarian Dance by Brahms, Rondo Alla Turca by Mozart, Rhapsody in G Minor by Brahms, and Etude Opus 10 no. 12 by Chopin.
“It was important for us to keep the legacy and ideals of justice, equality, and freedom for all that Robert F. Kennedy embodied, alive,” explained Richard and Eric from the podium. “We felt that Union Station embodies those ideals. Therefore, to honor Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy, we chose to create this endowment on the 50th anniversary of his last campaign.”
With 45 years of providing life-changing services, Union Station Homeless Services is the largest homeless services provider in San Gabriel Valley. The nonprofit provides outreach, shelter, housing and supportive services to adults and families who are experiencing homelessness. Last year, they helped more than 700 find housing – that is nearly 2 people a day.
This is the fourth endowment fund that the Dong brothers have made with their personal investment earnings and from piano performance fundraisers. Spurred on by a desire to make a lasting impact in the lives of those in need, the brothers quoted Robert F. Kennedy, “The future is not a gift, it is an achievement.”
For questions regarding giving opportunities, or if you would like more details regarding the Richard and Eric Dong Endowment Fund, contact Dana Bean, Director of Development and Communications at Union Station Homeless Services at (626) 240-4558 or email your inquiries to dbean@unionstationhs.org.
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A full transcript of Richard and Eric Dong’s speeches are included below:
(TRANSCRIPT OF RICHARD DONG’S SPEECH)
Thank you, Ms. Dana Bean, for your warm welcome and kind introduction. Honorable Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Assemblyman Mike Eng, Mrs. Anne Miskey, Mrs. Betty Fishman, my parents, guests and friends, Good afternoon! Eric and I are honored to be here today. Union Station is truly an exceptional place. We still remember the first time we were here for a tour by Ms. Stephanie Harris around the buildings, family centers, and library. We were… startled. We were especially inspired by the hard-working families, the talented and generous kids, especially when a child offered her own chocolates to my father, and the staff we met such as Mrs. Mowlavi, Ms. Bean and Ms. Harris who are extremely passionate in what they do.
Union station is an amazing community which has inspired us to be involved, so we started by donating clothes, books, notebooks, pens/pencils and toys, we then did piano performances for the families where we also taught the children at this center.
Today, we are very proud to establish an endowment fund named the Richard and Eric Dong Endowment Fund at Union Station Homeless Services. The fund is designed to provide scholarships for children in sports, music and the arts, leadership, and human rights promotion; books to the family library; staff appreciation and recognition; and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights educational programs. It is in memory of Robert F. Kennedy on the 50th anniversary of his last campaign and in honor of Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy for their legacy and ideals of justice, equality and freedom for all. In order to benefit the families and children, today we have an additional Check for the immediate use of scholarships and books this year because as Coloni put it: “Marriage can wait, education cannot.”
This is actually our 4th endowment fund made by our personal investment earnings and from our piano performance fundraisers. We are profoundly inspired by the words of Robert F. Kennedy “The future is not a gift, it is an achievement.”
We would like to thank those who helped us to make this happen, the inspiration from Congresswoman Judy Chu during our internship in her office, our schools Clairbourn and San Marino High, the International Leadership Foundation, and of course, our parents and friends….
Thank you, Thank you all!
(TRANSCRIPT OF ERIC DONG’S SPEECH)
Hello Everyone, good afternoon! Today, my brother Richard and I would like to perform a few piano pieces to celebrate this event and to show our thanks for your friendship and help in making our endowment fund at Union Station possible. The first duet piece is Hungarian Dance by Brahms, then Rondo Alla Turca by Mozart. In addition, Richard is going to play Rhapsody in G Minor by Brahms for a Happy 2018, and Etude Opus 10 no. 12 by Chopin, a dream for a beautiful life. I will perform Etude no.11 by Moszkowski, it is about joy and happiness. The other piece is Sonata in C major by Haydn which expresses gratitude and friendship.
Hope you enjoy our performance, thank you all!
Fritz Coleman, whose name and image are practically synonymous with Los Angeles weather-casting, will perform at Pasadena’s legendary Ice House Comedy Club on August 12.
“We are beyond grateful for Fritz and his long established support of the work that is happening here at Union Station Homeless Services,” says Anne Miskey, Chief Executive Officer of Union Station. “The community support and awareness Fritz generates through laughter is unique and it enables us to engage more effectively with members of our communities.”
With a noteworthy 35-year career as NBC4’s weatherman, Coleman has found equal success as a stand-up comedian, with four Emmy wins for his comedy specials. Coleman’s stand-up routine, “Defying Gravity”, is a hilarious look at the comical calamities of aging. “The show presents an hour-and-a-half of laughing hard and reflecting on what it’s like getting older. It’s really a lot of fun to recognize our shared experiences,” Coleman said. “Getting old isn’t pretty, but it sure is funny.”
Tickets range from $15 to $22 and can be purchased by visiting bit.ly/fritzcomedy or by calling (626) 577-1894. Make sure to use the code USHS812 at checkout.
Bank of America grant to assist in rebuilding lives and ending homelessness in San Gabriel Valley.
Pasadena, CA – Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Union Station Homeless Services announced today that it has been awarded a generous $15,000 economic mobility grant from Bank of America. Funds from the grant will support Union Station Homeless Services’ life-saving programs and services for people experiencing homelessness in San Gabriel Valley.
“Bank of America’s funding will help Union Station continue to rebuild lives and end homelessness in San Gabriel Valley,” said Union Station’s CEO, Anne Miskey. “We are incredibly grateful for their long-standing support which enables us to effect real change in our communities and in the lives of our clients.”
Alongside this partnership and support, Union Station is thankful to host a Bank of America Student Leader this summer, Jonathan Stephens. During his 8-week paid internship funded by Bank of America, Stephens will help our volunteer department improve and develop systems, policies, and communication to better engage our volunteers and community.
Celebrating 45 years of service, Union Station is the lead coordinator of homeless services in San Gabriel Valley, working with more than 60 service providers to support our most vulnerable community members, including chronically homeless individuals, veterans, and families. Union Station’s ability to impact lives would not be the same without the support of surrounding communities and corporations such as Bank of America.
“Union Station is a long-time partner in our efforts to help put people and families back on the path to economic stability. Many of us are just one life event away from needing basic services like food and emergency shelter, so the bank works with nonprofits that provide those critical needs so that barriers to economic stability can be removed,” said Raul Anaya, Los Angeles Market President for Bank of America.
Union Station works to promote and increase access to supportive housing and enhance its current services with nationally recognized best practices. Union Station’s commitment to rebuild lives and end homelessness represents much more than just a tagline – it represents a leap forward in the impact of Union Station’s services to families and individuals of the San Gabriel Valley
Leading Voice For Vulnerable Families & Individuals Joins Southern California Homeless Service Provider
Pasadena, CA – April 4, 2018
Union Station Homeless Services announced today that its board of directors has selected Anne Miskey — a nationally recognized and leading voice on the issue of homelessness — as the organization’s next chief executive officer. Miskey, who formerly served as CEO at the Downtown Women’s Center, will succeed Howard A. Kahn, Union Station’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, in June.
”We are excited to welcome Anne Miskey as our next CEO,” said Alan Maltun, chair of Union Station Homeless Services’ Board of Directors. “Anne brings extensive knowledge of the issues involved in addressing homelessness, along with the exceptional leadership ability and management skills that will be essential to guiding Union Station as we continue to expand our services in the coming years. She has a unique perspective on the role non-profits, governments, and communities can together play in tackling major social problems. But just as important, Anne has a deep passion for our mission: helping people rebuild their lives and end their homelessness.”
Miskey, who has held senior management positions in non-profit organizations for the past 15 years, said “I’m honored, and I’m grateful to the Union Station board for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of passionate, creative, and talented professionals and volunteers. Union Station is a leading homeless services provider in Los Angeles County and a leading advocate for people who are threatened by or living with homelessness. Our public service affects areas far beyond where we live, and this is a terrific opportunity that any leader would welcome.”
Miskey has been invited on numerous occasions to speak at the White House in support of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Joining Forces Campaign to help veterans. She has worked closely with the federal departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Labor to champion support for vulnerable families and individuals in the areas of housing, health, and employment. Prior to her work in social services and philanthropy, Miskey spent more than a decade as a corporate communications and public affairs professional.
Since 2016, Miskey has been a significant force in the passage of Measure H and Proposition HHH which approved millions of dollars to address the homelessness crisis in the City and County of Los Angeles. She also served on the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Ad Hoc Committee on Women’s Homelessness to influence resources and service delivery to more effectively address the needs of homeless women.
Said Kahn: “Anne has been at the forefront of ending homelessness over the years, and she will be a remarkable leader for a remarkable organization. Union Station is an integral part of the Pasadena and greater San Gabriel Valley communities, and I’m confident Anne will ensure that Union Station continues to be a leading provider of shelter, housing, and workforce services in the San Gabriel Valley.”
Maltun thanked Kahn and the executive management team and staff for their outstanding effort during the transition period to a new CEO. “Howard stepped in to lead our team and, they have done a great job keeping Union Station moving forward and continuing their vital work,” he said, adding. “I also am grateful to Howard and my fellow members of Union Station’s executive search committee for the excellent job they did during the selection process.”
Company donates enough turkeys to feed thousands in need at Union Station’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner in the Park event
Pasadena, CA – November 14, 2017
Union Station Homeless Services announces it has received a generous food donation from Trader Joe’s. This week, all Trader Joe’s stores in San Gabriel Valley and San Fernando Valley came together to donate more than 200 turkeys for Union Station’s Dinner in the Park event, a holiday feast for homeless adults and families, to be held on Thanksgiving in Pasadena’s Central Park.
“We are incredibly grateful to Trader Joe’s for this donation and joining us in the fight to rebuild lives and end homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley,” said Union Station’s Director of Special Programs, Stephanie Harris. “Trader Joe’s has been a cornerstone here in Pasadena and we could not be more thrilled to have their support this Thanksgiving to effect real change in our local communities.”
For more than 45 years, Dinner in the Park has been a beloved tradition in Pasadena during the holiday season. Volunteers help prepare and serve meals–including turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and pie–to all who are hungry at Pasadena’s Central Park on Thanksgiving.
The donation from Trader Joe’s, which gave more than $341 million worth of product to U.S. food banks last year, through it’s daily giving program, will cover the majority of the turkeys needed for Union Station’s Thanksgiving event, however there is still a need for additional items.
With a 33% increase in homelessness in Los Angeles County since last year, Union Station anticipates seeing a greater number of guests seeking a Thanksgiving meal at Dinner in the Park. Union Station expects to serve over 2,000 plates of food at Dinner in the Park.
In addition to our homeless community members, guests will included low-income individuals and families, senior citizens, and those who are alone for Thanksgiving or unable to afford a holiday meal. Many are looking for ways to cut costs to be able to pay the bills in the face of rent increases, a dire lack of affordable housing, and underemployment.
To help feed people this Thanksgiving, please visit: www.unionstationhs.org/dip.
Union Station Homeless Services to feed thousands in need at annual Thanksgiving Dinner in the Park event.
Pasadena, CA – November 8, 2017
The best way to give thanks is to give back! To show community spirit and compassion, hundreds of volunteers of all ages will gather together on Thanksgiving to serve meals and cheer at Union Station Homeless Services’ annual Dinner in the Park.
For over 45 years, this beloved tradition has been a staple event for the Pasadena community during the holiday season. Volunteers help prepare and serve meals–including turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and pie–to all who are hungry at Pasadena’s Central Park on Thanksgiving.
Union Station Homeless Services expects to serve 2,000 plates of food this Thanksgiving, on November 23rd. Meal recipients will include individuals and families experiencing homelessness or poverty, senior citizens, and those who are alone for Thanksgiving or unable to afford a holiday meal.
“Union Station’s Dinner in the Park is one of my favorite events in Pasadena,” says John Brauer, CEO for Union Station Homeless Services.
“It’s such a joy to experience the community coming together as one, feeding over 2,000 people, and witnessing hundreds of volunteers–both young and old and everything in-between–cheerfully interacting and serving. Talk about a reason to give thanks! If you haven’t been a part of this remarkable Thanksgiving event, I encourage you to join us for a day that I promise will be both eye-opening and uplifting. I truly love this community, and I am so grateful for the outpouring of love, food and fellowship!”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Volunteer registration is now full, but Union Station’s Thanksgiving food drive is in full effect! Community members are invited to help Union Station collect the ingredients and kitchen supplies needed to prepare a great Thanksgiving meal! Turkeys, hams and pies are the most needed items. The complete wish list is available at www.unionstationhs.org/dip. Donors may drop off these items at the Adult Center, located at 412 S. Raymond Avenue in Pasadena, throughout the month of November.
You can also underwrite a menu item for the Thanksgiving Feast to help feed hundreds of people in need. Contact Union Station at (626) 240-4558 for Sponsorship Opportunities.
Dinner in the Park is a true community event and would not be possible without the support of our community members and volunteers. Union Station would like to thank its event sponsors, including the Trader Joe’s, Tsutayo Ichioka & Satsuki Nakao Foundation, HomeStreet Bank, Goldstar, Individual Foodservice and Centerplate. For a complete listing of sponsors, visit the event webpage.
