On Saturday, 19th December 2009, the alumni held its Annual Dinner at the Hong Kong Football Club. Thanks to the newly launched office of coordinators for various graduation classes and our new database of Josephians, we received excellent response from Josephians of all ages. All in all, there were 20 tables, including 17 tables of Josephians from different years as well as 3 tables of teachers and parents.
At the entrance of the venue, a small model of the proposed Rev. bro. Paul Sun was displayed for viewing. Andrew Li (SJACS’72) was Chairman of the Organizing Committee. After welcoming everyone, he reminded the gathering of this year’s theme: Our Roots!
First to speak was President, Peter Yeung (SJACS’75), who appealed for support for the Statue Project. He also announced that following the recent HKSAR government officially granting the status of a tax-exempt charitable organization, the Rev. Brother Paul Sun Education Foundation had been set up. The objective of this endowment is to carry on in perpetuity the ideals of our school’s founder. The first project would be to raise funds in support of the new school building’s renovation.
The keynote speaker of the evening was Professor Chung Yu-Ping of the CUHK, a distinguished alumnus of the Class of ’67. Prof. Chung spoke on the theme ‘Our Roots’, quoting anecdotes in fond memory of our beloved late Rev. Bro. Paul Sun.
Last to speak was Principal Paul Yeung of SJACS. He gave an update on the progress of the new school building.
Dinner started meanwhile and the food was excellent. During the course of the evening, many old school friends were reunited with many pictures taken. Donations for the Statue were acknowledged one by one on stage. First, it was Andrew Li of SJACS’72 who stole the thunder. The Class of ’72 held a BBQ in Hong Kong in November grossing over $20,000. Their classmates in the US raised another $10,000. John HUI Lap Shun of ’72 singly contributed US$5,000.
Former teachers have also given generously, including $10,000 from Ms HUI May Wan, $10,000 from Matthew Poon (SJACS’65), and $5,000 from Raphael NG.
Throughout the evening, donations of various sums kept coming in and the MC was kept busy acknowledging each and everyone of them. Souvenirs were also sold to help raise funds.
Raffle tickets were sold in support of the Statue Project. The lucky draw was the highlight of the evening. Mr. CHAN Sui Wah drew the top prize, a Maple Leave gold-coin sponsored by President Peter Yeung.
