a thursday in may... 1999 GALA
2nd Annual Community Awards and Silent Auction
Joey Flora, Media Coordinator

"Communities are built through hard work. However, it is the spirit of the individuals and institutions that give them life."

On May 20, 1999, more than 250 community wellwishers and avid bidders gathered at The Asian Art Museum for "a thursday in may," Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center's Second Annual Community Awards and Silent Auction.

They came as partners in our work to cele-brate the accomplishments of the agency and to honor the achievements and contributions of three distinguished AIDS activists and a neighborhood hospital. As the Event Chair, James Williamson said, "Communities are built through hard work. However, it is the sprit of the individuals and institutions that give them life."

Johnnie Norway, co-founder of Bay Area Young Positives and former board member of Asian AIDS Project/A&PI Wellness Center, received the "Grassroots Award" for his community activism as a young queer A&PI living with HIV. Johnnie, a former member of the San Francisco HIV Health Services Planning Council, has nurtured many young leaders who now take on important responsibilities in the HIV/AIDS community in San Francisco. Katie Tom, a retired nurse and statewide trainer who served as Board Chair of Asian AIDS Project, presented the award. "When Johnnie saw a need he filled it, not waiting to be asked or acknowledged."

Tenderloin-based Saint Francis Memorial Hospital was presented with the agency's "Ally Award," by Dr. Gifford Leoung, a founding board member of Asian AIDS Project. This award is given to people, groups or institutions whose work and values support our communities and the priorities put forth in A&PI Wellness Center's mission. Saint Francis stands out as an ally because of their commitment to addressing the needs of people living with or at risk for HIV and for providing accessible healthcare for persons marginalized by socio-economic, ethnic, or linguistic factors, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. We depend upon partnerships with ally organizations to ensure that A&PIs in San Francisco have access to the highest quality medical care.

Finally, the agency's "National Award" went to Al and Jane Nakatani. The award was presented by Paul Shimazaki, an original staff member of GAPA Community HIV Project/A&PI Wellness Center. Following the death of the Nakatani's three sons, Greg from violence in 1986, Glen in 1990 and Guy in 1994 from AIDS, they have embarked on a 'mission' to share their story of tolerance, acceptance, and healing. The Nakatani's story is chronicled in the best-selling book, Honor Thy Children, and in an upcoming documentary.

Al Nakatani summed up the event for many of us in saying, "know that there are those of us, who cherish and love "diversity", in its total and complete sense.....and that there always will be voices that will speak for dignity, honor, acceptance and unconditional love for all children. ".



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