Jians TV

This holiday season, the Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) has spread joy and care through a series of impactful events. Starting with the Thanksgiving Gift Distribution on November 22, ACAESUSA continued its efforts into December, organizing Christmas donations and gift giveaways to support students, families, and underserved communities.

These initiatives, part of the 2024 World of Love Art Exhibition, were made possible with support from UCACF and UCA WAVES. To reduce student stress, promote mental health awareness, and spread holiday warmth to those in need.

School Safety Sparks a Community Response

ACAESUSA’s Thanksgiving gift distribution coincided with heightened concerns at a High School following a safety scare. A threatening message targeting a math class appeared on a bathroom mirror, causing anxiety among students and parents. While authorities deemed the threat non-credible, the school implemented enhanced safety measures, including metal detectors and increased patrols.

In response, ACAESUSA distributed plush toys during this challenging time.

Holiday Giving: Extending Warmth and Cheer

Building on the success of the Thanksgiving event, ACAESUSA chapters nationwide launched Christmas gift distributions in November and December, delivering thoughtful donations to schools, shelters, and communities.

Special thanks to the Nihao Food Bank Initiative for donating phone cases, adding practicality to ACAESUSA’s holiday giveaways.

Key highlights of ACAESUSA’s nationwide efforts include:

ACAES - SSCLC Youth Chapter: Students led visits and interactive sessions with children at the Step by Step Chinese Learning Center, fostering leadership and learning.

ACAES - NM Youth Chapter (New Mexico) & ACAES - HP Chapter (Highland Park): Volunteers collected and distributed clothing for the homeless, spreading warmth and care.

Texas Art Exhibitions: ACAESUSA hosted World of Love art exhibitions in Dallas and Houston, showcasing student artwork, traditional Chinese calligraphy, and cross-regional artistic exchanges. Contributors included Houston-based and DFW-area artists and volunteers such as Qian Ji, Ethan Wang, Katelyn Hu, Annie Hu, Owen Jingqi Zhao, Xiaoning Wang, Weiping Deng, Jonathan Yin, Samuel Wu, Timothy Mei, Shouyi Wang, Haipei Shue, Audrey Ding, Keira Yang, Arthur Yang, Sam Han, and Amy Han, as well as Jingchun Zhang, Ming Jun Qian and Weizhong Xie from China. Austin Asian community leaders, including CJ Zhao, Alice Yin, and Hugh Li, also contributed, along with Yan Wu from UCA WAVES.

ACAES - CA Chapter (California): Led by Parker Shu, Angie Ling, Ivan Ling. the chapter collected California youth artwork for Texas exhibitions, allowing visitors to admire the creativity and talent of young artists. Meanwhile, leaders from the Shandong Association in California, Washington DC and New York admired the exhibits in Plano, Texas.

On November 28, volunteers Emily Wang, Cecelia, Adam Zhang, Jianan Jin, and Jessica Wu organized games and cultural activities for youth. On November 30, performers Warner Yan, Willa Yan, Raymond Wu, Ashley Chen, and Audrey Chen delighted audiences with musical performances at ACAESUSA’s Holiday Gift Day.

Promoting Mental and Physical Well-being Through Sports

On December 15, ACAESUSA highlighted health and resilience by participating in the Plano Community Run and BMW Dallas Marathon Festival.

Amber Wang, ACAESUSA Mental Health Youth Chair with Yong Wang, completed the half marathon, setting a powerful example of perseverance and mental strength.

Owen Xie and Richard Xie, leaders of the Special Talents Chapter, inspired the group with their spirited participation in the Plano Pacers Race.

ACAESUSA Volunteers Join the Día De Los Muertos Celebration in Denton, Texas

On November 1, volunteers from the Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) participated in the vibrant Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center in Denton, Texas. This cultural event, which honors and remembers loved ones who have passed, brought together the community in a lively atmosphere of remembrance and celebration.

ACAESUSA volunteers contributed to the festivities by helping with event logistics, engaging with attendees, and participating in activities that highlighted the rich traditions of Día de Los Muertos. The celebration featured colorful altars (ofrendas), traditional music, dancing, and delicious food, creating a festive and meaningful experience for all involved.

Jan Xie, President of ACAESUSA, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such an important cultural event:
"Día de Los Muertos is a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our ancestors and cherishing the memories of those who came before us. We are proud to join our community in celebrating this beautiful tradition."

The ACAESUSA volunteers' participation in the event exemplified the organization's commitment to fostering cultural exchange and promoting unity within diverse communities.

Celebrating the Spirit of Volunteerism

ACAESUSA’s holiday activities underscore the power of community and volunteerism. From organizing events to delivering gifts and raising mental health awareness, volunteers have played a vital role in creating meaningful experiences.

Looking ahead, ACAESUSA is committed to expanding initiatives that foster student development, cultural exchange, and community support.

Join Us in Making a Difference

To learn more about ACAESUSA’s projects or volunteer opportunities, visit our official website or contact your local chapter. Together, we can create a brighter, more connected future.

Through its Thanksgiving and Christmas programs, ACAESUSA has shown how acts of kindness can bring comfort and unity during the holiday season, leaving a lasting impact on the communities it serves.

Upcoming Event:
On February 8, 2025, ACAESUSA is planning to celebrate Lunar New Year in Dallas, Texas, with a vibrant program that includes performances, a Miss competition, and an exhibition of artworks from talented artists. Join us to experience this exciting celebration and support our mission!

On September 14th and 15th, in celebration of the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, the Mid-Autumn Food and Cultural Festival, hosted by the Tianli Cultural Foundation, took place at 99 Ranch Market with great festivity! The event featured activities such as riddles, raffles, food tastings, charity sales, and performances. The performances were scheduled for three sessions at 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:30 PM, each packed with excitement and surprises!

Founded in 2017, the Tianli Cultural Foundation has been dedicated to serving the community and promoting Chinese culture. Its annual Mid-Autumn Food and Cultural Festival and Spring Festival Gala bring joy to the local Chinese community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

This year’s festival was co-organized by 99 Ranch Market, Zhang Chen Art School, Xizi Guzheng Arts Center, and the Dallas Guzheng Association. 99 Ranch Market not only provided the venue but also offered generous cash cards worth $10, $100, $200, and $500.

The first performance was hosted by Tianle Tong, founder of the Tianli Cultural Foundation, along with Songmei. Tianle introduced the foundation and thanked the co-organizers for their support. She praised every participant and volunteer, whose collective efforts made the festival truly captivating. She then invited teachers Zhang Chen and Xizi to the stage to offer their Mid-Autumn blessings. Teacher Zhang wished everyone happiness and togetherness, while Teacher Xizi wished peace and joy for all.

The first performance was by the MaiZi Dance Troupe, founded in 2022. Their dance, Tang Yin, transported the audience to a beautiful scene reminiscent of ancient China. Little Ivy Liu then brought the song “My Homeland, the Sea,” evoking feelings of nostalgia for the homeland. With a beautiful voice and graceful stage presence, Ivy Liu, a silver medalist in the children’s group of the 2024 “Cultural China Water Cube Cup,” captivated the audience. Next, the Dallas Guzheng Association performed the ensemble “Crossing the Red Dust,” showcasing the beauty of traditional culture. Nine-year-old Anni Zhu from Star Light Studio performed a solo dance, “Flower in the Flute,” portraying a playful girl with her beloved flute. Sisters Wenya Hu and Anya Hu from Zhang Chen Art School sang “Blank Space,” delivering a harmonious and lively performance. Veteran magician Xiyun Yang wowed the audience with his incredible tricks and humor, earning thunderous applause. The first session concluded with a live calligraphy demonstration by teacher He Sanhe, who wrote festival blessings like “Full Moon” and “Happy Mid-Autumn,” much to the delight of the crowd.

The second session kicked off with a lively performance of “Marketplace” by the young students of Xizi Guzheng Arts Center. Multiple award-winners Kunlu Wang and Yintiao Yin from Zhang Chen Art School followed with their duet, “Stars and the Sea,” filling the room with positive energy. Kailie Poon from Liu Dan Dance Arts School performed the graceful dance, “Grass in the Water.” Special thanks were extended to Teacher Liu Dan for her support of community events. Friends Mia and Bella teamed up on piano and guzheng to perform the serene piece, “Big Fish,” evoking the purity of nature. Soloist Li Li from Zhang Chen Art School delivered an outstanding performance of “Left Hand Points to the Moon,” her soaring vocals captivating the audience. Regular community performer Weiping Lu brought blessings with his rendition of “The Moon on the Fifteenth.” Finally, sisters Izabella and Kayla from Xizi Guzheng Arts Center performed “The Call,” demonstrating their harmonious connection. The second session closed with the energetic guzheng duet “Fuxi Divine Sky Echo” by brothers Kevin and Keson, showcasing their incredible speed and skill.

The third session began with Bohan Xuan from Zhang Chen Art School, who won the gold medal in the children’s group of the Water Cube Cup in Dallas. He performed “Orchid Pavilion,” a song that captures the beauty of classical Chinese culture. The guzheng trio Keson, Kevin, and Keegan performed the powerful pieces “A Man Should Be Strong” and “Dreams of Sword and Saber,” filling the room with heroic spirit. Students Nuo Xuan Yang and Weili Lin, under the guidance of Teacher Zhang Chen, performed the duet “Shouldn’t Have,” beautifully conveying the sorrow of unrequited love. Students Mia Xiao and Xueru Luo from Xizi Guzheng Arts Center followed with the moving guzheng duet, “Yu Meiren,” presenting a timeless narrative. Summerly Yin, Sarah Shi, and Jessalyn Wang from Xingji Dance Schoolperformed the enchanting dance “Dunhuang,” embodying the rebirth of ancient sculptures from the Dunhuang Caves. The third session host, Mingxia Qin, demonstrated her talents in singing, dancing, calligraphy, and painting. Accompanied by guzheng, she painted and wrote the phrase “Blossoms and Full Moon,” bringing the festival to a perfect close.

Over 500 people attended the two-day Mid-Autumn Food and Cultural Festival. The riddle activity attracted many families, with parents and children working together. Youth organizations like AYLUS, YAAMHA, and the Asian Portrait Project participated, showcasing the talents of Asian youth. The food stalls were bustling, with handmade mooncakes being particularly popular. Saturday’s raffle awarded six $100 and two $200 cash cards, while Sunday’s prizes included one $500 card and ten $10 cards, all redeemable at 99 Ranch Market.

The 2024 Mid-Autumn Food and Cultural Festival, hosted by the Tianli Cultural Foundation and co-organized by 99 Ranch Market, Zhang Chen Art School, Xizi Guzheng Arts Center, and the Dallas Guzheng Association, concluded successfully. Thanks to all participants and volunteers! Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Mid-Autumn Festival!