"I congratulate FAHSI for ten years of dedicated and committed services to the Filipino American community. FAHSI stands out among the Filipino American organizations as a professionally run community organization, focused in its mission and creative in its programmes. The Philippine Consulate General in New York shares FAHSI’s vision of an empowered Filipino American and is proud to be one of its partners in this endeavor," said Consul General Lacanlale.

"The Consulate and specifically, Consul General Linglingay Lacanlale, has been an integral part of where FAHSI is today," remarked Vladimir "Vee-Jay" Manuel, FAHSI’s Chairman of the Board. Manuel was part of the initial Board of Directors of FAHSI and served until 1997. This Founding Chair of the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND) and current chair of the Collaborative Opportunities for Raising Empowerment (CORE), the group of young professionals, returned to the Board last year to provide strategic operational expertise "because FAHSI fills the human services gap for underserved Filipino American populations. FAHSI is the only community-based organization that has provided the breadth and depth of culturally-sensitive services to the community. Indeed, we are grateful to our partners such as the Consulate, funders, and staff for these would not have been possible without them," Manuel added.

Dr. Jean Lobell, FAHSI co-founder and Chair of its Honorary Board, is co-heading the gala and is in the process of forming the Leadership Circle for the event. Dr. Lobell is an active member of several non-profit boards including the Asian American Federation of New York and Asian/Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS (APICHA). She also just completed her board directorship with the United Way of New York City and was a recent recipient of an Asian American leadership award.

"This year marks FAHSI's decade-long commitment to serving the Filipino community. We are especially proud of our innovative youth programs and new community center in Queens," said Sherry Lynn Peralta, Executive Director.

FAHSI received the 1996 Banaag Award from Philippine President Fidel Ramos in recognition of "exemplary service in helping to promote the interests of the Filipino community overseas." FAHSI was honored for its accomplishments including 23 citizenship drives and 8 citizenship workshops; Census 2000 community forums to promote census participation; and development of a network of Filipino American lawyers and social workers.

In response to the 9/11 World Trade Center disaster, FAHSI initiated its 9/11 Tulong Sa Kapwa ("Helping Our Neighbors") Project to assist Filipino victims and families affected by the tragedy. As a member of the 9/11 United Services Group (USG), FAHSI provides case management and counseling services to over 50 individuals and families, including displaced workers and residents and one survivor of WTC II.

Located at the Philippine American Center in Jamaica, Queens, FAHSI currently offers after-school and summer youth programs, seniors programs, basic computer skills training, conversational Tagalog classes, weekly discussion groups, and other cultural and educational programs.

"FAHSI has taught me much about my own culture and brought me closer to my roots," said Joel Cerezo, 17, an active FAHSI youth member. "Being a part of FAHSI youth has increased my self-awareness and given me something positive to do with my time."

The FAHSI Gala event will be held on Saturday, October 18 at the Astoria Manor in Queens. To join the Gala planning committee or for more information about FAHSI, contact Sherry Lynn Peralta at (718) 883-1295 or e-mail fahsi@fahsi.org.