OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS) _ Hundreds turned out in Oakland Saturday night for the Organization of Chinese Americans-East Bay Annual Gala.
This year’s event held special meaning for many involved as organizers were able to present a check to the family of Tian Shen Yu.
He was killed in Oakland after challenging two young men, who had punched his son. Another Chinese American, Jinhong Kang was shot to death earlier this year in Oakland during a $17 robbery.
OCA Board President Chi Shin Shao said bringing together the community is just one way to fight crime.
“We have been working with the city of Oakland’s police department and with the mayor’s office to try to develop a program to make sure that this type of thing doesn’t happen again,” said Shao.
This year’s gala honored among others, Oakland A’s catcher Kurt Suzuki and figure skating queen Kristi Yamaguchi.
“Attacked in a way that it will affect their family for the rest of their lives,” said Yamaguchi. “It’s tragic and you just hope that that violence won’t ever have to hit another family and take away a loved one.”
The OCA handed out a check for $75,000 to Yu’s widow and son.
