On June 7th, the nonprofit, student-led organization Recognizing Experiencing Asian Cultural Heritage R.E.A.C.H. of Central Florida celebrated its 15th anniversary at Amerasia Bank on West Colonial. Founded in 2010 by students Frank Lau, Hans Lau and Tiffany Tang, this momentous occasion marked 15 years of REACH’s positive impact on the Central Florida Asian American community through its volunteerism and cultural enrichment. Organized by REACH’s current and incoming officer boards, the event featured the REACH 2024-2025 President’s Report by Meira Lee and Jason Hu, the Orange County Proclamation presentation by Special Assistant to Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, Shally Wong, a cake cutting ceremony, several remarks (including a special appearance by Florida House Representative Anna Eskamani), refreshments and officer award distributions. Certainly, nothing short of a lively and robust series of activities, a mode of operation all too familiar for the active group of high schoolers.
Upon its conception, REACH was a small, grassroots effort to cultivate volunteer opportunities and networking for ambitious high schoolers and their families. Proudly maintaining these commitments today, REACH has made an active effort to spread its promise and has successfully involved students across 19 high schools in Central Florida into its impressive web of volunteering. The REACH mission has been and continues to foster the next generation of young leaders who will embrace a more ideal style of leadership that integrates compassion, altruism, service and cultural appreciation. Through REACH’s various volunteer projects, cultural showcases, scholarship opportunities and an environment that encourages collaboration, the community looks forward to REACH’s continued contributions to the personal and professional growth of its high schoolers.
Having had the honor of serving as President of REACH in the 2022-2023 term and maintaining my involvement in my undergraduate years as the Advisor, I know firsthand the profound impact that this organization has on its members and the immediate Central Florida community. I’m certain that REACH alumni will agree with me when I say that REACH has been an integral part of our lives that enhanced our perception of the world and galvanized us to take action on contemporary issues that we’re passionate about. More than that, we cherish the friendships we made, the impact we bolstered and the internal growth we realized. REACH continues to amaze me with the great lengths that it traverses and the caring ambition that it has for the community. For me, one of our more recent projects reminds me of the heart and soul that drives our organization, that being the Helping the Homeless Initiative in partnership with Synchrony Financial. I always like to remark that our REACH kids are undoubtedly proficient in the classroom, but putting their lives in the broader context of our societal condition is where our focus must lie. The Helping the Homeless Initiative, in addition to its direct aid to the homeless population, provides an opportunity to do just that. Collecting donations, putting together care packages and distributing these supplies to the homeless population in downtown Orlando all while taking the time to listen to the stories and the wisdom of the homeless individuals, has made me a more cognizant individual and I know it’s done the same for our REACH members. This issue is near and dear to my heart, and in truth, I hope that our efforts in REACH can raise awareness and catalyze a greater effort to ensure dignity and prosperity for all those in our community.
REACH’s impact and influence can’t be completely recognized without mentioning the mind that makes it all possible, that is the Chair and lead mentor Pauline Lau Ho. Pauline Ho, or Ms. Pauline as REACH’s members know her, is a community leader that makes her mark in a multitude of ways including her leadership and mentorship at REACH. Ms. Pauline not only serves as a direct connection to the many volunteer opportunities and cultural events that REACH enjoys, but she also shines most bright as the example that REACH officers aspire to be throughout their life. Her long standing service to the community and her warm and humble demeanor makes her the role model that REACH kids benefit from having in their lives. Ms. Pauline’s love for people and community encapsulates REACH’s core values and the qualities it inspires in others.
At my core, I’m a fundamental hopeful and optimist. But even the most optimistic amongst us need a reminder that the future is bright and that we must work towards that belief even in the darkest of times. Sitting in the crowd, with the parents, special guests and students at the REACH 15th anniversary made me smile. It made me smile because it reminded me that there’s always good people working to make their communities and the world a better place. REACH certainly does that, one student and one volunteer opportunity at a time.
For more information about R.E.A.C.H. of Central Florida, please visit https://www.reachcf.org/
