Community Service

TAP-Chicago Volunteers at Chicago Cares Serve a Thon

Chicago’s largest day of service is coming up on June 23rd! Thousands of people across Chicago come together for this event to help Chicago Public Schools in saving facility improvement costs by having volunteers complete projects that involve activities such as gardening, painting walls, building benches, etc.

All volunteers meet at The Daley Plaza in the morning for breakfast, check-in, and instructions, then we are transported to our volunteer sites by a bus assigned to our group. Since there is a set time the buses leave for the volunteer sites, punctuality is crucial for this event. Please arrive early enough to give yourself time to check-in, eat breakfast, and meet up with the group.
There is a cost of $15 for the event, but this goes towards cost of materials, transportation, breakfast, lunch, and the post-event party that includes dinner and beer.

Our team is listed as “TAP-Chicago”, so be sure to register under this team name so everyone in our group is at the same volunteer site. Registration closes June 18th, so sign up a.s.a.p!
https://event.chicagocares.org

We have also set up a fundraiser separately as extra help with the cost of this cause and for their future volunteer opportunities. If you’d like to contribute, it’d be awesome if you could do it through our campaign “TAP Chicago”.
https://connect.clickandpledge.com/Organization/chicagocares/

Special Instructions: Recommended clothing is casual and comfortable, you may be on your feet for much or the whole time.
Hope to see you there!

Questions? Contact the Organizers
Quinn Guann, qguan2@gmail.com
Wally Soriano, wsoriano@gmail.com
Shannon Wen, swen904@gmail.com

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TAP-Chicago Volunteering at Hanul Senior Day

Hanual Senior Day

Hanual Senior Day

Hanual Family

Hanual Family

Join TAP-Chicago and KACC as we volunteer at Korean Senior’s Day. We will serve over 600 participants in 2 shifts Saturday morning and afternoon. Volunteer duties include greeting, guiding seniors, packing and passing out lunch boxes, handling raffle prizes, and more. Free delicious Korean lunch & t-shirts will be provided!

Why volunteer? Korean American senior citizens face linguistic, cultural and economic barriers and often suffer from social isolation and depression in everyday life away from their home country. Each year, the festival hosts Korean American seniors and their families for a day of recognition and celebration. The highlight of the event is performances of local, international, and senior artists in the Cultural Art Program. The event is primarily sponsored by donations from local business owners.

Registration FREE on Eventbrite at https://hanulseniorday.eventbrite.com

Getting There: Very close to CTA #50 and 92 buses and walking distance from Brown line Damen stop. Free parking available in public parking lot next door to Amundsen High School. Note Damen Ave in front of the school will be blocked off for school buses.

Volunteer Shifts 
(1) May 25th (Friday): 3:30pm-5:30pm, Hanul Chicago office: 5008 N Kedzie Ave (loading and preparing gifts)
(2) May 25th (Friday): 5:30pm-7pm, Amundsen High School: 5110 N Damen Ave (prep)
(3) May 26th (Saturday): 8am-11:00am, Amundsen High School: 5110 N Damen Ave (volunteer orientation & helping at Senior Day, first shift)
(4) May 26th (Saturday): 10:30am-2:00pm, Amundsen High School: 5110 N Damen Ave (volunteer orientation & helping at Senior Day, second shift)

Questions? Please contact
Mavis Meng (TAP-Chicago) mavis@tapchicago.org
Karen Hwang (KACC) karen@kac-chicago.org
Yichen Sun (TAP-Chicago): yichen@tapchicago.org

Learn more about Hanul at www.hanulusa.org.

Registration FREE on Eventbrite

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TAP Chicago Runs with Dim Sum & Then Some: The Uptown 5K

 

Dim Sum & Then Some: The Uptown 5K

Dim Sum & Then Some: The Uptown 5K

***REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN*** 

Join the TAP Chicago Team at the second annual Dim Sum and Then Some: The Uptown 5K. Proceeds will directly support Chinese Mutual Aid Association’s efforts to provide crucial services to Chicago’s immigrant and refugee communities!

Register here:
https://www.active.com/chicago-il/running/distance-running-races/dim-sum-and-then-some-the-uptown-5k-2018

Go to “Team Information” and select Taiwanese American Professionals Chicago (Yu). Tom from TAP Chicago will arrange packet pickup for the entire group so that you don’t have to wait in line before the race. More details to follow as time gets closer to the race.

DISCOUNT CODE! Use “TAP” to get some dollars knocked off your registration.
If you have any questions, please reach out to tom2786@gmail.com.

Event Description:
This isn’t your typical get a shirt, and go home type of race. The Dim Sum & Then Some is the only 5K running through Uptown and Chicago’s only race where runners (walkers, joggers, and crawlers are all welcome!) are treated with dim sum at the end of the route!

In 2017, over 400 runners joined for the first ever Dim Sum & Then Some: The Uptown 5K! Swarms of runners descended upon one of Chicago’s most ethnically diverse neighborhoods – Uptown. Renowned for its historical theaters, unique music scene and Asian influence, runners traversed through both the streets and Chicago’s scenic lakefront.

And what better way to cap off a run through Uptown than by eating some dim sum?! Each runner last year received their own Dim Sum box compliments of one of Uptown’s famous restaurants, Furama. Additional free goodies were given on race day, including Bubble Tea samples!

5K Highlights:
*Register before May 14, 2018 to receive a technical running shirt

*Runners will be cheered on with entertainment throughout the race course, including CMAA’s lion dancers

*Every registrant will receive a dim sum box compliments of Furama restaurant. Vegetarian options are available
(Dim Sum items subject to change)

*Other free goodies courtesy of local Uptown businesses

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Dog Walking with TAP-Chicago

Dog walking event with TAP-Chicago

Dog walking event with TAP-Chicago

Kick off spring with the TAP-Chicago community service team and lend a helping hand/paw to man’s best friends at Chicago Canine Rescue! We will be walking dogs and enjoying the outdoors around the Forest Glen Woods preserve. Space is limited! So sign up ASAP. First timers and experts are welcome.

The Chicago Canine Rescue was founded in 2001 to help find permanent homes for dogs considered too young, old, ill, or have special needs that would otherwise be euthanized at local shelters. There are currently 80 or so dogs at the Rescue that would love to your attention and care!

Details:
1. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Photo ID is required.
2. Please print and fill out Chicago Canine Rescue’s volunteer waiver form
3. All volunteers must arrive on time at 10:00 am for mandatory orientation and dog handling instructions. No Asian time =P
4. You must register via Eventbrite link below to secure your spot as space is limited

Questions? Please contact Shannon Wen at swen904@gmail.com

To learn more about Chicago Canine Rescue, please visit:
http://www.chicagocaninerescue.com/

To learn more about TAP-Chicago, please visit:
http://www.tapchicago.org/

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TAP-Chicago partners up with Exodus

After fleeing persecution or war in their homeland, refugees approved for resettlement arrive in the U.S. with nearly nothing. Separated from their families and friends, as they start their lives again in a foreign country, one of their most basic needs is setting up a new home and household supplies. Through Exodus’s Care Pack program, you’ll provide families an assortment of essential items during an in-person visit (1-3 hours) that shows love and hospitality to our refugee neighbors. We have already made some care packs; volunteers are welcome to contribute additional supplies to care packs if they choose.

Registration: Limited space, please register on Eventbrite at https://tapchicagoexodus.eventbrite.com

Getting There: We will first meetup up at a central location in Rogers Park for orientation and then split into various teams and carpool to different houses. More details will be provided for those who register.

Questions? Contact the Organizers
Kevin: kaiwen.sp@gmail.com
Quinn: qguan2@gmail.com

Exodus World Service mobilizes the community to welcome and befriend refugees by connecting volunteers with refugees through practical service projects and equipping leaders to advocate on behalf of refugees. Find out more about Exodus at http://exodusworldservice.org.

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Cup of Tea Conversations

Join TAP as we collaborate with Chinese-American Service League (CASL) in their Saturday morning tea time program! This program helps Chinese immigrants develop their conversational English. Each volunteer gets a vocabulary packet with different dialogues and new words to learn and put to use. Come enjoy a hot cup of tea and warm-hearted conversations as we help one another and give back to the community.

Get your ticket on Eventbrite today!

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Get Ready for the 6th Annual Lunar Ball on Aug 11th

Lunar Ball 2018 on August 11th

Due to a date conflict beyond our control at our venue, Lunar Ball 2018 originally scheduled for Saturday, May 19 has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 11. Rest assured that the event will be bigger and better than ever!

We apologize for the change in date and have applied a discount to all current ticket holders in appreciation of their flexibility. If any ticket holders are not able to attend on the new date, we are happy to process a refund. Please contact hello@lunarball.org with any questions or concerns.

We are excited for the new date and hope you join us as we enjoy food and beverages from amazing sponsors including Seoul TacoKizuki Ramen & IzakayaPokéworksMeet Fresh ChicagoCH DistillerySaboo Asian Craft BeerA Place By DamaoBIBIBOP Asian Grill, and more!

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to celebrating with you on August 11th!
-The Lunar Ball team

***

Over 1,000+ Attendees Expected!

The 2018 Lunar Ball will be held on Saturday, May 19th at the contemporary Zhou B Art Center located in Chicago’s historic Bridgeport neighborhood.

As Chicago’s largest fundraiser for Chicago local Asian-American charities, the Lunar Ball is expected to bring together 1,000+ of Chicago’s most accomplished young professionals and community supporters from over 30 organizations.

Attendees will enjoy a royal evening of premium drinks, delicious food, great entertainment, and social networking, all in the beautiful Zhou B Art Center adorned with award-winning sculptures and arts.

Highlights include tastings from top local restaurants, a premium full open bar including CH Distillery, Saboo craft beers, and other fine spirits.

Come for the fun. Stay for the people. At the end of the evening, feel great that you supported local charities. We hope to see you on May 19th!

Don’t miss out and reserve your ticket today on Eventbrite  use “TAP” for $5 off the regular ticket price.

Giving Back to Chicago

All proceeds from the Lunar Ball benefit Chicago local Asian-American charities. Grants help provide services to youth, seniors, refugees, as well as leadership development, promote cultural awareness, and support other important charitable causes.

To learn more, visit www.lunarball.org for updates!

Dress Code and Theme

Wear your best semi-formal attire. Should you feel more adventurous, black ties and ethnic dresses are encouraged! The theme will be announced closer to the event date. Follow Lunar Ball Facebook Page for the latest information.

Private Reception for VIP Ticketholders

Meet influential community leaders, accomplished professionals, and generous donors in a private reception starting at 6 pm. VIPs can also enjoy an exclusive bar, express entry to the event and after-party, and much more!

Questions & Contact Us

Please direct all questions or comments to info@lunarball.org
Please note that tickets to Lunar Ball are transferable but not refundable.

Thank You to the Lunar Ball 2017 Sponsors!

We are grateful to all of the sponsors and partners who supported Lunar Ball 2017, and looking forward to announcing new partnerships for 2018 soon!

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TAP-Chicago Volunteer Session at The Greater Chicago Food Depository

 

The Greater Chicago Food Depository

The Greater Chicago Food Depository

Join TAP-Chicago’s Community Service team for a rewarding afternoon by volunteering with The Greater Chicago Food Depository!  GCFD is a non-profit organization that helps to end hunger in Chicago and surrounding areas by distributing food to participating food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.  You will be helping this cause by repacking donated food and other products (which come in bulk quantities) into smaller sizes.  Once this is done, they are ready to be loaded to their trucks for distribution.

Registration Required: The Greater Chicago Food Depository (All volunteers must register to participate) (New/First time volunteers account creation required)

Parking:  The parking lot is open to volunteers during Saturday sessions.  There are additional parking on either Karlov or Keeler – the streets east and west of their building.  They are meter-free and Karlov (the street east of them) usually has closer parking spaces.

Dress code: Long pants, covered shoulders, and enclosed shoes are required to work in the warehouse.

Contacts:

Wally Soriano email: wsoriano@gmail.com cell: 847-630-5023

Shannon Wen email: swen904@gmail.com

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TAP-Chicago Pacific Garden Mission

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Join TAP-Chicago in lending a hand to Pacific Garden Mission homeless shelter! Pacific Garden Mission, the nation’s oldest rescue mission, strives to provide food, shelter, and clothing free of cost; it is a safe haven for the needy. Come be a part of the effort by making beds, folding bath towels, blankets, organizing hangers, assisting in the dining room with serving meals, and helping clean up.

For more information, please contact: vinc3ntzzz@gmail.com

RSVP here.

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TAP-Chicago Volunteering at Breakthrough Fresh Market

breakthrough-v2

Join TAP-Chicago’s Community Service team as we strive to make a difference in the community. We will be volunteering with Breakthrough’s Fresh Market. Fresh Market is eliminating hunger and transforming neighborhoods in East Garfield Park by providing a sense of dignity, community and hope. Come be a part of this effort by serving at the indoor Fresh Market which provides fresh food, groceries, and supplies to low-income families!

Instead of receiving a bag of canned goods, guests are paired with a personal shopper and are guided through the shopping area to find fresh ingredients to create meals for their families. Residents also receive access to legal aid, food stamps, housing and employment information, financial management, GED certification and family workshops. You may be asked to fill one of these volunteer roles: Greeters, Computer Registration, Hospitality, Personal Shopping Assistant, Stockers, Set-up and Tear-down.

Registration: Limited space, please register on Eventbrite here.

Getting There: Close to Green line Kedzie stop. Street parking available in front of the building

Special Instructions: Recommended clothing is casual and comfortable, you may be on your feet for much or the whole time.

Questions? Contact the Organizers
Hauwei Lien hauwei@tapchicago.org
Elaine Oetomo elaine@tapchicago.org

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