Chinese American Association of Central Florida, founded in 1969, established Chinese School of CAACF in 1980 as well as the Dance Troupe of CAACF. In 2010, CAACF formed the CHARGE dragon boat team to promote this ancient dragon boating sport in the community. The mission has remained the same for over 40 years – promote the Chinese language education and preserve the Chinese culture in the central Florida region.
A yearly family member fee of $30 supports three major events in a year. They are Chinese New year, Duanwu Festival (also known as dragon boat Festival) in summer and Mid-Autumn Festival in fall. Festivals like these are important to help the next generation better understand their root and culture.
Chinese School of CAACF serves around 180 students every Saturday from 2pm – 5pm. Besides more than 20 language classes, the school runs cultural classes such as calligraphy, dances, Kung Fu, yoyo, table tennis and badminton from 4pm – 5pm.
Dance Troupe of CAACF performed for many non-profit organizations. Dance troupe supports AAHC scholarship event, Asian Cultural Expo at Disney and Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival at Mills 50. The troupe also volunteers to perform at many festivals and public library.
CHARGE dragon boat team now has 18 committed paddlers and around 10 seasonal paddlers. The team practices every Saturday at the Orlando Rowing Club. Last year, the team earned their first gold medal at the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival in Disney and was placed 4th in the community mixed division A Consolation.
With the support of the board members and volunteers, CAACF was able to donate $8,000 to the Chinese School in the last two years and $2,000 to the Dance Troupe of CAACF. I am honored to be able to serve as the President from 2012 to 2013 with the help of a group of dedicated board of directors. The new Board of directors 2014-15 was elected by members during the CAACF Chinese New Year celebration on February 1st, 2014. The association encourages more members to join and more volunteers to serve the community. My eight year volunteering at CAACF brings me lifetime friendship. If you are interested to be part of this association, contact us via website www.orlandochinese.org.
