March 2010
The Filipino Association is a hive of activity, with lots of people doing lots of things at once. We are busy bees, indeed. Many members are likely unaware of all that takes place - and sometimes why. The Filipino Cultural Center Foundation (FCCF) is one of those things. What is this separate organization, and why is it necessary?
As a community, we are tremendously privileged to have a venue such as the Filipino Cultural Center. We are among only a handful of organizations across the country to have a building of similar purpose. In supplanting the old Philippine House, it really has become our “home” since opening its doors in 2000. However, the blueprint to its success was not an easy one - in fact, it took nearly 25 years for the Cultural Center concept to finally materialize.
In 1992, a special committee determined that in order to push - and sustain - building fundraising over the hump, the creation of the foundation was vital. The FCCF was born a year later - a smaller entity that could separate itself from the general “day-to-day” management and activities of the Association, and instead focus primarily on major fundraising and outreach. Not unlike the setup many universities and other large non-profits have, the Foundation shares its overall vision with the Association, but with an emphasis on the role that the Cultural Center plays in supporting cultural, educational, and service programs. Money raised by the FCCF goes not only to those programs, but also to a fund for maintaining and supporting the building. As a dedicated fundraising arm, the FCCF can tap into resources such as grants, corporate donors, and other philanthropic organizations.
The Foundation will soon again embark on a capital fund campaign, as plans for the Phase II Expansion of the Cultural Center develop this year. Among their events at which to look forward: the 3rd Annual Medical Mission 5K Run/Walk in July, a Free Health Fair in August, and a Shrimp/Crab Dinner in October. They will also soon launch
their own website, www.filipinoculturalcenter.org, to broadcast its mission and collect online donations.
The FCCF is led by president Beth Rosas, an experienced leader and fundraiser. Rounding out the rest of the Board of Directors for 2009-2010 are: Amy Mesina (Vice President), Paul de los Santos (Treasurer), Elvira Berry (Secretary), Alan de los Santos, Mirla de los Santos, Lisa Hopkins, Dr. Lillian Pardo, Dr. Manuel Pardo, Jun Puno, Ernie Rosas, Dr. Arnulfo Sulit and Shirley Sulit.
