Tzu Chi Honored on Inaugural California Nonprofits Day

National Headquarters | June 30, 2016

The California Association of Nonprofits, an alliance of over 10,000 organizations representing and promoting California’s nonprofit sector, inaugurated California Nonprofits Day on June 22, 2016. During the inaugural celebration held on that day at the State Capitol in Sacramento, Tzu Chi Foundation USA and Northwest Region were among the 70 nonprofits from across California honored as “Nonprofit of the Year”.

The CEO of Tzu Chi USA, Han Huang, CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation, Debra Boudreaux, and CEO of Tzu Chi USA Northwest Region, Minjhing Hsieh,attended the ceremony.

Each award winning nonprofit was chosen by a local legislator, as being an exceptional nonprofit organization in the district community. Tzu Chi was the only nonprofit to be selected for this honor twice, after being nominated by both Senator Connie Leyva (D-Chino) and Assembly member Kansen Chu (D-San Jose).

In making the selection, Senator Connie M. Leyva praised Tzu Chi Foundation’s disaster relief work during the 2003 forest fire in California, its ongoing environmental protection work, and Happy Campus program which benefits underprivileged children.

As for Assembly member Kansen Chu, he applauded Tzu Chi USA Northwest Region as a leader in terms of the manner in which their volunteers bring relief and serve people in need, doing so selflessly and with love and personal care.

The organizations named “Nonprofit of the Year” visited the Senate and Assembly Floors, then were honored at a luncheon at Sacramento’s Sheraton Grand Hotel, with presentations from Senate President Pro Tempore, Sacramento Mayor-Elect Darrell Steinberg, Assembly member Rich Gordon, and Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits.

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The Mayor of Sacramento, Darrell Steinberg expressed his thanks to all the nonprofits for their efforts to provide healthcare and help improve the living conditions of the homeless.

Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits pointed out the importance of nonprofits to California’s economy, and applauded their humanitarian vision and mission.

Nonprofit organizations are vitally important to the economy and well-being of California. But too often nonprofits are ‘hidden in plain sight.’ We are thrilled that the State Assembly has passed a resolution putting the spotlight on nonprofits as an economic power that uses that power for the common good. We congratulate all of the award recipients on being honored for the great work they do every day to make California a better place.

Jan Masaoka, CEO, California Association of Nonprofits

Tzu Chi Foundation is grateful and honored to have been named a “Nonprofit of the Year” on this special inaugural California Nonprofits Day.

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is honored to serve underserved populations with medical, dental, and vision care, financial assistance, education, and family care support in California. We are grateful to Senator Connie Leyva and Assemblymember Kansen Chu for recognizing Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation as a ‘Nonprofit of the Year.’ Your continued support and resources have empowered our volunteers to give back to their local communities.

Han Huang, CEO, Tzu Chi USA