By Assunta Ng
Kenneth Tao, president (center) with seniors at the last luncheon (Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW)
After 30-plus years, the office for the Washington State Indo-China Chinese Elderly Association, which resided in the Bush Hotel in the ID, has closed its doors. One neighborhood senior heard the news and said, “I couldn’t sleep that night. We seniors will have one place less to go.”
Seattle elders who have come here from all of Asia, not just China, appreciated their services.
Every day, they came for discounted meals run by the Seattle Chinatown/International District Preservation Development Authority. Every week, members could be seen gathering for karaoke, game-playing, and even celebrating birthdays. In its final days, the association was deciding how to spend its remaining money. $10,000 went to Kin On Health Care. The remaining funds went to two banquets at the House of Hong, to celebrate, realize, and appreciate all its members and supporters.
Seniors enjoying the last luncheon (Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW)
For over three decades, the association relied on donations from the community.
Ken Tao, the president, volunteered to run the association for over six years. At 78, he wanted to retire. And there was no one to step forward to take his place. It’s a sad and familiar story. Every party has to come to an end, according to a Chinese proverb. (end)