SAN DIEGO
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China's catastrophic earthquake has sent ripples to San Diego, where dozens of Chinese-Americans and others, moved by televised scenes and family reports of tragedy, gathered last night to raise money for victims.
The Chinese Service Center of San Diego organized the event, drawing about 60 representatives of businesses, schools and service organizations to Golden City restaurant in Kearny Mesa.
Many are like Heyen Su, a founder of the San Diego Hua Xia Chinese School, who said he wanted to find out the best way to donate money from students, parents and the school organization.
“We're moved by what is happening there,” Su said. “My friends and family are mostly from the northern region (of China), but I feel connected.”
The tragedy struck home for Quilin Pan, a biologist with Alfa Scientific Designs in Poway. His uncle was killed in the rubble of his six-story apartment building after the quake hit central China on Monday.
“I grew up in Chengdu, and my sister is living there,” Pan said. “She is a teacher. When the earthquake hit, she evacuated with her students. My uncle was in his home. I just talked to my auntie this morning. She was crying. I feel helpless.”
Wei-Wei Zhang, president of the U.S.-China Entrepreneurs Association, said his group had helped establish a school in Sichuan, one of the devastated areas. Zhang isn't sure if the school is still standing.
“We have nothing we can control in this disaster, but everything we can control, after,” said Hui Li, a La Jolla laboratory chemist and president of the Sino-American Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Association.
Li, with others at the gathering, pledged personal or corporate donations. Rose Tran, from the Vietnamese American Lions Club, said Lions International has donated $1.5 million.
A large, golden-colored bowl was passed among the tables for checks and pledges totaling an estimated $35,000.
Sally Wong-Avery, with the Chinese Service Center, said she expects many more donations to come in. When the checks clear, she said, each donor will be notified, and the center will work with the Chinese consulate to determine the best way to send money directly to those who need it.
“Every penny to China,” Wong-Avery said.
Donations may be made to the Chinese Service Center of San Diego at (858) 505-9906 or through its Web site at www.cscsandiego.org.
Pauline Repard: (619) 293-1893; pauline.repard@uniontrib.com
