Asian American Stories – Stories In Harmony

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10/27/2026

By DDTVRobe

By Joel Wong

Against the elegant backdrop of the Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club, community leaders, advocates, and supporters gathered on Friday, October 23, 2026, for “Stories in Harmony,” the annual benefit concert and dinner presented by Silicon Valley Community Media. Guided by Master of Ceremonies Amrita Singh and framed by the powerful theme—Celebrating Our Stories, Connecting Our Communities, Inspiring the Next Generation—the evening was far more than a fundraiser; it was a movement of unity, artistic expression, and intergenerational empowerment.

The night commenced with a warm reception and dinner, where attendees connected over live acoustic performances by the Huckleberry Pickers. The atmosphere shifted into collective inspiration during the formal opening as the entire room joined voices in a moving sing-along of “All of Us Belong Right Here”—a song that captured the spirit of belonging at the core of the organization’s work.

Founder Diana Ding opened the program with heartfelt welcoming remarks, laying the foundation for an evening centered on legacy and impact. Co-Chair Joel Wong then took the stage to relate the history and the growth of Asian American Stories, highlighting a powerful trilogy of achievements:

National Impact: Amassing over 300 video entries in just three years through the Asian American Stories Video Contest.
Coalition Building: Galvanizing multi-ethnic leaders working together to present a unified Asian American perspective.
Empowering the Future: Cultivating next-generation leaders through the dedicated Asian American Stories Youth Division.

The momentum continued with the “Voices of Our Community” presentation, emphasizing leadership across generations. Youth Ambassador Ella Nguyen spoke passionately on the vital role of youth perspectives, followed by Co-Chair Minh Tran, who shared a compelling vision for building cross-cultural bridges. Dr. Kenneth Fong, Board Chair of Silicon Valley Community Media, anchored the segment with a stirring testimony on why investing in these stories is essential for cultural preservation and community strength.

Guests were then treated to a 15-minute impact film documenting the profound real-world reach of the initiative, followed by a moment of community gratitude honoring the sponsors, donors, and committee members whose dedication makes the mission possible. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axjKMLuHfYI

The artistic heart of the evening unfolded during the “Musical Giving” program—a celebration designed around the principle of sponsoring performances to support future storytellers. The audience was treated to an array of vibrant cultural presentations, headlined by commanding performances of Jiayi Huang, Award-Winning Vocalist, and community leaders including Mr. Sandy Chau and Dr. Rose Tseng. As the formal program concluded, the room remained filled with energy, conversation, and warm fellowship. It was an unforgettable night of purpose and celebration—a true testament to what happens when a community unites to elevate its own voice.

Thank You to Our Community We extend our deepest gratitude to every guest, sponsor, and donor whose generosity fuels our mission.

📸 Relive the Evening: View full photo galleries from the event on our Facebook page.

Welcome Address by Diana Ding