A Long Way to Come, and a Long Way to Go

Celebrating Milestones and Mobilizing Support for Future Growth at the 2025 CCACC Health Center Gala

May 16, 2025 – Gaithersburg, MD

The CCACC Health Center hosted its annual fundraising gala at Han Spot in Gaithersburg, bringing together over 200 community leaders, healthcare professionals, patients, and supporters under the theme “A Long Way to Come, and a Long Way to Go.”

Group photo of CCACC Health's volunteer physicians and staff

The evening celebrated the Health Center’s remarkable growth from a grassroots pop-up volunteer clinic to a thriving, culturally competent medical home serving thousands of patients annually. The program featured heartfelt testimonials, volunteer awards, donor recognition, and a compelling mission video tracing CCACC’s journey—and its future vision.

CCACC Executive Director Rita Lewi and CCACC Board Chair Yuchi Huang welcome all the respectful guests. Delegate Joe Vogel and Ryan Spiegel made a surprise appearance early in the evening to present a symbolic check supporting the center’s expansion plans. The event also honored major donors Dr. Mo-Ping Chow, Mr. Ted Schwab, and Ms. Julia C. Yang, whose contributions are accelerating CCACC’s newest initiatives: comprehensive dental services, a community pharmacy, and rehabilitation programs at the newly rented site on Gaither Road.

“This is more than a clinic. It’s a lifeline for our immigrant, underserved, and aging communities,” said Director Kate Lu. “We’ve come a long way because of our volunteers, donors, and partners—but we still have a long way to go to ensure no one is left behind.”

A video titled “A Long Way to Come, and a Long Way to Go” premiered during the event, showcasing the Health Center’s impact and its patients’ moving stories of resilience and recovery. The night also included a live art auction, dessert reception, and a paddle raise for capital campaign support.

Volunteer service awards were presented to Dr. Mo-Ping Chow, Dr. Yao-Yao Zhu, Dr. Ling Chin, Dr. Veronica Pei, Dr. Lei Xu, Dr. Xiaoping Shao, Mrs. Tai-Hui Chow, and Mr. Charles Chen, recognizing their contribution and selfless commitment to the Health Center’s mission.

CCACC Health Center expressed its deep gratitude to all sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors K.K. Wong, Mr. and Mrs. Bruch, Julia Yang, Mrs. Katherine K. Leong, and Mr. Theodore A. Schwab, as well as numerous Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors listed in the evening’s program.

Proceeds from the gala will directly support CCACC’s healthcare access initiatives, including its PROMISE program for special needs youth and the newly launched dental and pharmacy services.

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