PACE 45th Annual Gala
February 18, 2021 4:00 - 5:00 pm
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Join us for our first ever Virtual Gala!
PACE is excited to announce our first ever Virtual Gala on Thursday, February 18, 2021! This year's event will ring in the Lunar New Year (Year of the Ox) and celebrate our 45 years of service to the community. Our program will include the best features of our popular Lunar New Year celebration and annual Gala: a Lion Dance, awards to 5 outstanding API Business Owners, special guests, and delicious food. Tune into the event on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 4pm Pacific Time.
Opportunity Drawing
All gala attendees will automatically be entered for a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes: a $150 Amazon Gift Card, a $250 Target Gift Card, and an iPad (128GB). Winners will be announced during the event.
Dinner
What kind of party would it be without a delicious meal? In an effort to support our local businesses during the trying times of this pandemic, we are offering an option to purchase a take-out dinner to enjoy at home as you watch the gala. All dinners are for pick-up only, so make sure to note the address of each restaurant and select one that is accessible for you. On purchase of your dinner, please select the time you wish to pick it up. Bon Appétit!
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Become an Event Sponsor!
Funds raised from this year's Gala will be used to support our community economic development programming which annually serves more than 40,000 low-income individuals and families. And with demand for our services on the rise due to surging COVID cases across LA County, your support is needed now more than ever before. We invite you to join our cause as an Event Sponsor. No amount is too big or too small.
To find out how to become an event sponsor, check out our Sponsorship Deck.
Special Guests
United States Congresswoman
Judy Chu
Judy Chu was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2009. She represents the 27th Congressional District, which includes Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley of southern California.
Rep. Chu currently serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over legislation pertaining to taxes, revenues, Social Security, and Medicare. In that Committee, Rep. Chu is a member of the Subcommittees on Health, giving her oversight over healthcare reform and crucial safety net programs, Worker and Family Support, and Oversight.
She also serves on the House Small Business Committee, which has oversight of the Small Business Administration, and is the Chair of the Small Business Oversight Subcommittee.
Chu was first elected to the Board of Education for Garvey School District in 1985. From there, she was elected to the Monterey Park City Council, where she served as Mayor three times. She then was elected to the State Assembly and then California's elected tax board, known as the State Board of Equalization. In 2009, she became the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress in history.
Speaker of the California State Assembly
Anthony Rendon
Anthony Rendon is speaker of the California State Assembly, a position he has held since March 2016.
Since 2012, Rendon has represented the 63rd Assembly District, which includes nine cities - Bell, Cudahy, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, South Gate and a northern portion of Long Beach.
Prior to serving in the Assembly, Rendon was an educator, non-profit executive director, and environmental activist. He led Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc. as executive director. Plaza provides comprehensive child development and social and medical services to over 2,300 children and families offered through Plaza's 35 child development centers located throughout Los Angeles County. Before working at Plaza, Rendon served as the interim executive director of the California League of Conservation Voters from 2008 to 2009.
In Rendon's first year as speaker, the Assembly passed landmark progressive legislation, including the nation's first statewide $15 minimum wage, extension of California's climate change reduction goals, overtime pay for farmworkers, and groundbreaking policies on gun and tobacco use. The first state budget passed during Rendon's tenure continued California's recent history of on-time, balanced budgets, doubling the state rainy day fund, and investing $530 million in early childhood education, a key victory for Rendon and the Legislative Women's Caucus.
In 2017-18 legislative session, Rendon led the most progressive and productive legislative session in memory - a session when the Assembly passed a landmark $52 billion transportation funding plan, extension of California's cap-and-trade program, first-of-its-kind clean air measure, and efforts to address the affordable housing crisis. The Assembly approved legislation to end the cash bail system that for decades disproportionally impacted poor Californians and people of color. State budgets continued to build on fiscal reserves, expand the earned income tax credit and child care eligibility, make record investments in education, and implement governance reforms to the Board of Equalization and University of California.
Rendon resides in Lakewood with his wife Annie.
Los Angeles Mayor
Eric Garcetti
Eric Garcetti is a fourth-generation Angeleno and the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley - the son of public servants and the grandson and great-grandson of immigrants from Mexico and Eastern Europe - Mayor Garcetti's life has been shaped by a deep commitment to the core values of justice, dignity, and equality for all people.
These ideals have fueled the Mayor's relentless drive to fulfill our common obligation: to give children and families of every race, faith, background, and income the chance to get a good education, live on safe streets, earn a decent wage, breathe clean air and drink clean water, receive affordable medical and child care, and build a future of their own choosing.
Beyond his time at City Hall, Mayor Garcetti has served his country as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, and taught at the University of Southern California and Occidental College.
The Mayor received his B.A. and M.A. from Columbia University, and studied as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, and later at the London School of Economics. He is also a jazz pianist and photographer.
He and his wife, First Lady Amy Elaine Wakeland, are the proud parents of a daughter, Maya, and have been foster parents for more than a decade.
Los Angeles County Supervisor for the First District
Hilda Solis
Supervisor Hilda L. Solis was sworn in as Los Angeles County Supervisor for the First District of Los Angeles County on December 1, 2014. She was re-elected to a new four-year term in 2018.
As County Supervisor, Solis' priorities include combatting homelessness and building affordable housing, expanding County services to all residents, environmental justice, good-paying jobs, health care access, criminal justice reform, improving parks and open space, and ensuring arts equity for all.
Prior to becoming Supervisor, Solis served as Secretary of Labor under President Barack Obama. Supervisor Solis was confirmed on February 24, 2009, becoming the first Latina to serve in the United States Cabinet. Before that, Supervisor Solis represented the 32nd Congressional District in California, a position she held from 2001 to 2009.
Supervisor Solis was the first in her family to graduate from college, graduating from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; she also earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
About PACE
Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) community development corporation that creates economic solutions to meet the challenges of employment, housing, education, the environment and business development for low-income residents in the Pacific Asian and other diverse communities.
Since our founding in 1976, PACE has helped more than 1.3 million low-income, ethnic minority and immigrant residents of Los Angeles County become economically self-sufficient through our broad scope of services. Annually, we serve over 40,000 residents through:
- Employment - Our extensive workforce development program provides job training and placement, work experience, ready to work programs and support services to under- and unemployed individuals.
- Housing - In addition to offering 127 units of affordable rental housing, PACE addresses energy conservation and home safety and habitability for low-income, seniors and disabled residents.
- Business - As an SBA Microlender, Women's Business Center and CDFI, PACE offers low- and middle-income small business owners and entrepreneurs training, technical assistance and access to capital to start or expand their businesses.
- Education - Our early childhood education program provides Head Start preschool services to 1,300 low-income children and their families.
- Energy - Through our energy programs, eligible residents may receive emergency utility bill payment assistance and home weatherization services.
2021 PACE Business Awardees
Ara Tien
Founder & Owner, Chop Chop Chicken
Mr. Ara Tien left Cambodia in 1979 as a refugee escaping the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. After spending time in both Thailand and the Philippines, he was able to make his way to the US in 1982 at the age of 19. For over 20 years, he worked his way up through the restaurant industry, eventually becoming an Operational Director for Yoshinoya. At that time, Yoshinoya offered discounted franchise opportunities to award-winning managers. Recognizing this incredible opportunity, Mr. Tien risked everything, using all of his savings and borrowing money from family and friends to open his very own Yoshinoya restaurant. After 10 successful years, he sold the business and established R&A Enterprise in 2018.
Through R&A Enterprise, Mr. Tien opened Chop Chop Chicken in Monterey Park in September 2018. Chop Chop Chicken offers fresh and healthy Mediterranean fusion food at value pricing. It is known for its high-quality ingredients and delicious sauces. The menu is centered around various chicken bowls and vegetarian selections are also available. With hundreds of 5 star reviews on Yelp and Google, Chop Chop Chicken has become a local favorite. Due to the success of the 1st location, Mr. Tien opened a 2nd location near USC in early 2020.
When COVID-19 hit the Los Angeles area in March and restaurants were forced to close, Chop Chop Chicken immediately felt the effects as revenue across both locations dropped significantly. Seeking assistance to keep the restaurant viable, Mr. Tien connected with PACE and worked with Loan Officer Jennifer Whelan who helped him apply for and secure a $20,000 City of LA EWDD Emergency Loan and a $150,000 PACE Disaster Loan. As a result of the capital infusion, he was able to keep both locations open and focused on modifying operations to boost business. By offering pick-up/take-out orders and partnering with Uber Eats, Door Dash, Grubhub for delivery services, Mr. Tien was able to retain all 18 employees!
Mr. Tien's secret to success? He always treats his employees like family. He feels humbled to be able to give back to society by providing job opportunities and stable income for his employees. And most importantly, Mr. Tien wants to help others realize their American dream just like he did.
PACE is thrilled to feature Chop Chop Chicken as one of our restaurant partners for this year's gala!
Manny Paez
Founder & Owner, Manila Forwarder
Mr. Manny Paez was born in Manila, Philippines and immigrated to the US after joining the US Navy from Subic Bay, Philippines. In 1998, he established Manila Forwarder LLC, a non-vessel operating carrier/freight forwarder. The company is licensed by the US Federal Maritime Commission to conduct international shipping and its niche is US to Philippines import-export of care packages (aka "Balikbayan Boxes"), commercial goods, automobiles, and equipment. Manila Forwarder ships via land, sea and air and also specializes in Philippine relocation and travel services. Mr. Paez' wife, Ruth Paez, is the President of the company while Mr. Paez handles the day-to-day operations.
Despite being able to continue operations as an "essential business" during COVID-19, Manila Forwarder experienced sluggish growth in Q2 and Q3 of 2020. With a need for gap financing, Mr. Paez came to PACE. Loan Officer Jennifer Whelan helped him secure a $50,000 PACE Disaster Loan which was used to cover payroll, rent and working capital until Q4, the company's peak holiday season. Ms. Whelan also provided technical assistance to help Mr. Paez modify operations during COVID. New activities for the company include developing a web-based "no personal contact" service for clients and providing free donation shipments for those in need. As a result of PACE's assistance, Mr. Paez has been able to retain 5 jobs and create 2 new positions!
Mr. Paez is Co-Founder and Past President of the Pilipino-American Shipper's Association. You may also recognize him from his various movie and TV appearances including starring as team medic in the History Channel's reality adventure show, Lost Gold of World War 2, and his role in Filipino drama film, Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo.
Steven Phung
Owner, Tender Touch Hospice Care
Mr. Steven Phung is an experienced entrepreneur who owns and operates a number of healthcare companies in Southern California, including Tender Touch Hospice Care. Headquartered in Chatsworth, Tender Touch provides hospice and palliative care through a comprehensive approach that addresses the medical, psycho-social, and spiritual issues of clients and their families.
With the onset of COVID-19, Tender Touch began experiencing financial difficulties and Mr. Phung sought the assistance of PACE in April 2020. He worked with Loan Counselor Phuong Le to apply for several government disaster loan programs including the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Payment Protection Program (PPP) loan. In June 2020, Mr. Phung received $127,000 in PPP through the Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF), which he used to cover employee salaries for 8 weeks. He also received $150,000 through the SBA EIDL and an additional $10,000 EIDL advance.
As a result of PACE's technical assistance, Mr. Phuong has been able to retain 18 office jobs and 14 caregiver positions.
Bernadette Mopera
Founder & Owner, Bernadette Mopera & Co.
Ms. Bernadette Mopera is owner and founder of Bernadette Mopera & Co, an independent, multi-line women's apparel and accessory showroom based in downtown Los Angeles. Founded in 1997, the company brings both local and international fashion, from as far as London and Spain, to LA's fashionistas.
Like many other retail stores, Ms. Mopera's company immediately felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and had to think "out of the box" in order to survive. By modifying operations and producing and selling face masks, she was able to make ends meet for a while. But soon thereafter, Bernadette realized she would need additional financial assistance to keep the company afloat as the pandemic dragged on.
In July 2020, Ms. Mopera was referred to PACE and connected with Loan Counselor Phuong Le who helped her apply for PACE's Disaster Assistance Loan Program. Phuong worked with Bernadette for 3 months, providing Technical Assistance and mentoring to help her gather, prepare and finalize all the necessary documents for underwriting. PACE Underwriter Babita Nayak reviewed her case and in early November approved a loan for $25,000! When Ms. Mopera received her check on 11/30, she said it was the best Thanksgiving gift she could have ever received.
As a result of this additional capital, Ms. Mopera has been able to retain 3 employees and will be hiring 2 additional staff in early 2021.
Vee Cristobal
Founder & Owner, Cristobal & Company, CPAs
Ms. Vee Cristobal started Cristobal & Company, CPAs in 2001 out of her apartment. Fast forward 20 years and the company has grown from a team of 1 to 15 and now manages over 500 high net worth individual and business clients. Headquartered in Culver City with a 2nd location in Northern California, Cristobal & Company, CPAs specializes in Accounting Services, Estate Planning, Tax Planning and Preparation, Business Consulting and Nonprofit Services.
Despite the company's success, it was not immune to the devastating economic effects of COVID-19. Needing additional capital, Ms. Cristobal sought the assistance of PACE and worked with Business Loan Officer Redy Babasa-Thompson to obtain a $50,000 EDA loan. Not only did the loan enable her to retain all 15 employees, but she is on track to increase revenue despite all of the challenges the year has brought!
Born, raised and educated in the Philippines, Ms. Cristobal is actively involved in the community, both professionally and philanthropically. She is the former president of CalCPA (the California Society of Certified Public Accountants), the largest statewide professional association of CPAs in the United States with more than 42,000 members. She is also the former president of PASCPA (Philippine American Society of Certified Public Accountants) and is an active board member of NCPACA (National Council of Philippine American Canadian Accountants). In her spare time, Ms. Cristobal volunteers with local Filipino non-profit organizations that help underserved communities. She is also a regular volunteer at PACE.
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