CBWCHC Recognizes Development Staff Commitment to the Health Center’s Mission

(Left to Right: Michelle Tang, Development Coordinator; Yong Lu, Chief Development Officer; Winnie Shi, Development Associate)

The Development staff raises funds to support the work of the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center. They identify potential funders, including individuals, corporations and private foundations, and develop and implement strategies to solicit donations or secure grants. They also organize fundraising events, such as Annual Gala and Golf Classic, to attract donors and boost fundraising under the Chinatown Health Clinic Foundation.  Hot off the heels of an amazingly successful Annual Gala, which raised a record-breaking $1 million+, the Health Center recognizes the invaluable contributions the Development staff make toward raising awareness about our mission.

Kaushal Challa, CEO of the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, shares, “The Development team plays a vital role in our mission. Our clinical quality is among the highest the nation largely because of services and programs that we provide to anyone who needs it. Many of these services and special programs are not reimbursed through conventional means like health insurance. But the support and backing of our donor network helps us maintain that high level even when funding is uncertain. I’m grateful for the Development team, led by Yong Lu, for their efforts to maintain, diversify, and expand our supporter base.”

We asked Chief Development Officer, Yong Lu, about the important work of Development and its’ role within the organization.

CBWCHC: How does Development contribute to the Health Center’s mission to provide high-quality and affordable health care to all?

Yong: Fundraising is important for us because it provides the resources for achieving excellence, adaptability, and innovation. The Health Center has been able to achieve some of the best health outcomes in the country for more than 55,000 of our patients last year because we go above-and-beyond for our patients. Fundraising also allows the Health Center to be nimble and responsive, ensuring we can launch emergency relief efforts or adapt our programs to evolving community needs as they arise.

CBWCHC: What are you most proud about your department’s work?

Yong: We only have 3 staff members dedicated to development, and everyone is laser-focused and makes sure things are running like a well-oiled machine. I am also very grateful that Development does not operate “alone.” We receive tremendous support from other departments, including communications, fiscal, and administration. It is all hands on deck when it comes to major event execution, and our staff delivers a pleasant experience for our supporters.

CBWCHC: What do you like most about working for the Health Center and the Chinatown Health Clinic Foundation?

YONG: I like the people here: our staff and board. They are compassionate and down-to-earth individuals. I enjoy listening to our founders and early supporters share personal stories with me about why and how they helped build the Health Center. The Health Center represents an extraordinary story about Chinese Americans building their community and giving back to American society. Its story inspires me and we are working to let more people know about it.