NAPERVILLE WOMAN HONORED BY STATE TREASURER
Naperville resident Nancy Chen, president of Chinese American Women in Action, was one of eight people honored by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs for their contributions to their community in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Frerichs highlighted the achievements of leaders in business, education, sports, music and other fields during a ceremony this month at the state government building in Chicago.
Chen received the Outstanding Commitment to Community Service award.
It was noted during the ceremony that Chen is a first-generation American who has dedicated her life to public service and civic engagement. As the founding president of Chinese American Women in Action, she has helped empower women and youth through mentorship and advocacy, a news release said.
Chen also has helped champion women’s rights and advance public policy in Illinois and Washington, D.C., and served as director of Asian American outreach under President Bill Clinton, Frerichs noted.
At the ceremony, Chen said she was honored to be nominated by Lucy Chang Evans, the first Chinese American woman to serve on the DuPage County Board.
Asian Americans have made tremendous progress, holding key positions across the state, federal and local levels, she said.
“I am so proud of the progress that together we have made,” Chen said. “And we have proven that we are an integral part of the political, economic and social fabric of our state and our nation.”
DONATE BLOOD AND RECEIVE FREE MOVIE TICKET
Donors can receive a free movie ticket for donating blood during a community blood drive from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at Hollywood Palms Cinema, 352 N. Route 59, Naperville.
Hollywood Palms is partnering with Vitalant for the blood drive to boost supply for the summer months.
According to Vitalant, summer is one of the most difficult times of the year to maintain a stable blood supply. Blood donations are needed for trauma victims, cancer patients, surgeries, chronic illnesses and emergency situations, a news release said.
Type O blood is in high demand because it is the most transfused blood type, the release said. Type O negative is considered the universal blood type and can be given to patients in emergency situations when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type.
Anyone donating blood Saturday will receive a free movie ticket as a thank you gift.