NikkeiWest--Northern California Japanese American Newspaper

FOSTER CITY — The San Mateo chapter of OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans) held its 23rd annual fundraiser and awards gala on Sept. 11 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

This year’s theme was “Embracing Our Diverse Community.” The gala raised money for the chapter’s high school senior scholarship and Speak and Lead with Pride, a series of workshops designed to improve local high school students’ public speaking and leadership skills.

Achievement awards were given to three outstanding members of the Asian Pacific American community: Dr. Samuel So of Stanford Hospital, who has led the fight against hepatitis B among Asian Americans; Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco/Daly City), who has also supported the “Hep B Free” campaign; and San Mateo JACL President Steve Okamoto.

Past recipients include broadcast journalist Jan Yanehiro and attorney Dale Minami.

Kristen Sze and David Louie of ABC 7 News hosted the celebration. Fundraising events included a silent auction and raffle drawings. Entertainment was provided by Project Garuda, an Indonesian musical group.

For more information on the chapter, visit www.ocasanmateo.org.

‘For the Sake of the Children’

Following is Okamoto’s acceptance speech.

“I want to thank the San Mateo chapter of the OCA for bestowing upon me this most extraordinary honor. I accept the Asian Achievement Award with humility and pride.

“My wife, Diana, and I have attended many of these award dinners and were always amazed at the caliber of individuals who receive the Asian Achievement Award. People like Congressman Mike Honda and State Sen. Leland Yee. Also folks in the entertainment industry like George Takei.

“We have often heard the phrase ‘You are judged by the company you keep.’ So I am truly honored to be in the company of those stalwarts of the Asian American community, including tonight’s honorees, Dr. Sam So and Assemblywoman Fiona Ma.

“I also want to thank my family, especially my wife, Diana. For me, the phrase ‘Behind every successful man stands a woman’ is not entirely correct. In my case, it’s ‘Behind this successful man stands an equally successful and talented woman.’ And those of you who know Diana can attest to her many talents. She just has that sense of style.

“My kids also deserve a special thank you. Jeff, Brad and Katie — you have allowed me to be a dad while at the same time creating opportunities for me to serve our community. As you kids were growing up, I never missed a soccer or baseball game, musical concert or play.  I was always there for you, and more than likely the three of you are a big part of why I’m standing here tonight. I hope I have given to you what your grandparents gave to me, the understanding that service to your community is an important part of a well-balanced life.

“There is a Japanese phrase that embodies my lifetime work with my youth activities. That phrase is ‘kodomo no tame ni.’ Translated, it means ‘for the sake of the children.’ I’m sure many of you out there, without knowing it, you also live by those same words.

“Rounding out my involvement with youth were the 25 years I spent with the JACL Junior Olympics. The Junior Olympics is a track meet for kids from toddlers to high school where they have an opportunity to compete in a real track and field meet, many of them for the very first time.

“I hope to continue serving our youth for years to come. Remember, our future really does start with them, and I encourage each of you to get involved and help young people wherever and whenever possible.

“In 2001, I realized I wasn’t really ready for retirement, but was ready for something new and challenging, and that pointed me to work and join the American Cancer Society, where I help raise money for research and for programs to make the lives of cancer patients more comfortable. It has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

“This leads me to the next stage of my public service career. I’m sure many of you have been members of organizations where they might say, ‘Okay, it’s your turn to be president.’ Well, I’ve been president of my church, the JACL, professional organizations and the like, but this time it’s a little different. For the very first time in my life I will be running for an elected office, where I hope to contribute to the common good one last time before retirement. (Okamoto will be a candidate for the City Council of Foster City in the November 2011 election.)

“In conclusion, again thanks to the San Mateo Chapter of the OCA, to my family, friends, JACLers, Buddhist temple members, District 52 Little League umpires, Foster City council members and others who have come to this dinner to support me and to acknowledge this wonderful award.”