February 20, 2010, the Chinese Mutual Aid Association hosted their annual Chinese New year Celebration at Truman College. The event was opened with a Lion Dance performed by four young men from CMAA’s very own Youth Department known as the Lion Dance Troupe. The Lion Dance is performed at the beginning of an event to ward off evil spirits and also to bring good luck and fortune throughout the day.

After the Lion Dance was carried out, the emcee for the evening, Allen Wong, opened the event by welcoming all members of the community and VIP guest – Mayor Dailey and other special guest including: Congressman Mike Quigley, City Treasurer Stephanie Neeley, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, State Representative Harry Osterman, Commander Lucy Moy of the 20th District Chicago Police, Commander Kathleen Boehmer of the 23rd District Chicago Police, Consul General Ping Huang from the People’s Republic of China, Director General Pei-hwang Shen of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, and many others – to the 2010 Chinese New Year Celebration. Along with distributing Lucky Red Packets to children – to bring them happiness, health, and prosperity to the New Year – Allen also introduced the Chairwoman of CMAA’s Board of Directors, Laura Lee, and the Executive Director, Steve Brunton. Laura and Steve were both ecstatic to see such a turnout for the event. Chairwoman Lee thanked all members of the community – and Mayor Dailey – for joining CMAA to celebrate the Year of the Tiger.

Throughout the event, wonderful performances were displayed. The seniors from the Golden Age Club beautifully performed three songs. The young ladies from CMAA’s very own Youth Department performed both a Ribbon Dance and a Fan/Bell Dance. And a few new acts were introduced by guest.

The event was ending with something everyone was surely looking forward to; the raffle! Two bicycles – donated by the Children’s Memorial Hospital – were raffled away as grand prizes, along with other, smaller door prizes. Allen Wong, the emcee, officially closed the with a few short remarks, once again thanking the community, Mayor Dailey, and others , for joining CMAA to celebrate the Year of the Tiger, and also wishing everyone a prosperous New Year.

(Story written by Kwame Freeman / Photos taken by Van Nguyen and Peter Lin)