O U R    V I S I O N :
The Vietnamese American National Gala(TM) (VANG(TM)) is a national annual celebration of Vietnamese heritage and pride, which is held in conjunction with the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a month-long celebration in May of each year, which honors the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans and recognizes their contributions to America.

VANG(TM) is the premier Vietnamese American gathering in the nation. This Oscar(R)-like festivity exhibits the Vietnamese American Community's celebration of professional achievements and community contributions. The formal black-tie dinner gala brings together hundreds of elected officials, corporate sponsors, community and business leaders, and Vietnamese American luminaries - all who come together to share one common vision: To honor America's best and brightest.

Dear Friends,

VANG 2009 is only three days away!  The stage is set and preparations are being finalized for one of the most anticipated events of the year. Whether it is listening to great panelists speak on cutting edge issues at the Vietnamese American Summit on Friday, or taking in the sights & sounds of Beverly Hills before attending the 5th Golden Torch Awards Gala Event on Saturday night, there is something for everyone this year.

Our theme this year is "Honoring Community & Excellence" and throughout the three day VANG event we will be hosting a charity silent auction containing great gifts from attending guests such as Dat Nguyen from The Dallas Cowboys, Leyna Nguyen from KCAL/CBS and other VANG sponsors. 100% of all the charity auction proceeds will go to worthy non-profit organizations that do wonderful and much needed work in Vietnam.

For the first time in the storied history of VANG, the 5th Biennial Golden Torch Awards Gala will be broadcasted on National Television and be covered by all the major Vietnamese American media, making this year's event the most covered VANG celebration ever.

Registrations are still open but seats are very limited. For large groups or companies, table sponsorships are still available at discounted rates.  Head over to www.vangusa.org to register now or contact info@vangusa.org or 949-863-9782 to RSVP.  See you all at VANG 2009!

In Honoring Excellence & Community.

John D. Tran, Executive Director VANG 2009

VANG 2009

This VANG Newsletter is proudly sponsored by

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VANG 2009 CORE TEAM
John Tran
Executive Director

Rosalind Ong
Deputy Executive Director

Ryan Hubris
President/Sponsorship Chair

Monique Phan
Finance Director

Alexander Hubris
Volunteer Coordinator

Tim Nguyen
Deputy Director

Joseph Vu
Webmaster.

Angy Che
Lead Graphic Designer.

VANG is proud to highlight the following 2009 VANG Golden Torch Award recipients

Achievement Award—Congressman Joseph Cao

The Achievement award is presented to a distinguished Vietnamese American for his or her extraordinary achievements in his or her professional discipline and service to the community.

This year's Achievement Award is recipient is Congressman Joseph Cao.  Congressman Cao represents the 2nd District of Louisiana. The former attorney is the first Vietnamese American and first native Vietnamese to serve in Congress.  Congressman Cao's  victory over the 18-year incumbent was declared one of America's "Top 10 Political Upsets" by Politico.com because Congressman Cao is a Republican now representing one of the most Democratic districts in the nation.  After Congressman Cao's victory, House Minority leader John Boehner referred to the win as a symbol of the GOP party's future and "The Future Is Cao."  Congressman Cao's primary issues include ethics reform, hurricane recovery, coastal restoration, public safety, economic recovery and healthcare reform.   

Businessperson/Entrepreneur of the Year Award—Ly Tran, Sugar Bowl Bakery

The Businessperson/Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented to a distinguished Vietnamese American businessperson for the remarkable achievements they made this year in spite of the global economic climate.

This year's recipient of the Businessperson/Entrepreneur of the Year Award is Ly Tran of Sugar Bowl Bakery.  In 1984, the five Ly brothers combined their savings to purchase a local coffee shop, Sugar Bowl Bakery, in San Francisco, California. In only two years, Sugar Bowl Bakery's popularity rose and demand outgrew the modest shop.  Consequently, the Ly brothers opened a second retail space.  And in 1993, the Ly Brothers Corporation was formed.  Today, Sugar Bowl Bakery has an expanded product line with national distribution, which includes wholesale, frozen, wedding cake and retail division.   The Ly brothers credit their success to Sugar Bowl Bakery's mission to produce and market baked goods of the highest quality.  Today, the Ly Brothers corporate office is located in San Francisco, the city where they began, and they continue to give back to their community. 

Diversity Pillar Award—Wells Fargo Bank

This award is presented to a distinguished organization that demonstrates a commitment to workforce diversity, and has a sizable representation of Vietnamese Americans employed in the company.

This year's recipient of the Diversity Pillar award is Wells Fargo Bank.  Wells Fargo believes that by promoting education, leadership, volunteerism and recognizing those who make significant contributions to the vitality of Vietnamese Americans, more people can translate cultural differences into building stronger and more inclusive communities.  When asked what separates Wells Fargo from the rest, the company credits its unchanging vision, values and time tested business model.  Wells Fargo recognizes that the success of its company is built upon the rich cultures of their diverse team members and communities.

National Leadership Award—Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of Southern California

This award is presented to an organization, which through its efforts has helped Vietnamese Americans by allowing them to realize and expand their opportunities in the United States.

The Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of Southern California (UVSA) was founded in 1982 as a means for youths to organize socially and politically within the local community. UVSA now represents 13 colleges and universities and 20 high schools Vietnamese Student Associations.  Each year, UVSA donates 50% of the net proceeds from their Tet festival to non-profit organizations through their Community Assistance Fund program. Last year, USVA generously doled out $106,000 to 96 organizations.  Since 2001, UVSA has given back more than $900,000 to non-profit organizations throughout Southern California.

Honorary Vietnamese American Award—President Jimmy Carter

This is a recognition presented to a non-Vietnamese individual who has made a significant contribution to the lives of Vietnamese Americans.

Perhaps no other United States President has had a greater impact on the Vietnamese American community than President Jimmy Carter.  President Carter signed the Refugee Act of 1980, which marked the federal reformation of U.S. immigration law and admitted refugees to the U.S. based on humanitarian reasons.  The result of this monumental legislation enacted under President Carter was the wave of boat people that birthed the Vietnamese American community we have today. 

Student of the Year Award—Minh Nguyen

This award is presented to an outstanding Vietnamese American college student whose services to the community, academic excellence, personal achievements, and/or future represents the best and brightest of the next generation of leaders.

This year, VANG's Student of the Year is Minh Nguyen who is studying at Harvard University.