History – cafc

The Chinese American Family Coalition serves as a bridge between the United States and China, promoting cultural, linguistic, and educational exchange. We are registered as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit of the Internal Revenue Code. This year, we are pleased to celebrate our 10-year anniversary.

CAFC History

2005	A small group of Chinese-American citizens banded together to practice Chinese folklore dance in the new Fort Lee Community Center on the weekends.
2006	They formed the Chinese Cultural Club on the second floor of the Fort Lee Community Center, doing things that caught the interest and participation of many Fort Lee residents. This included folklore dance, traditional music, Tai Chi, Karaoke, after-school kids programs, and recreation for elderly citizens. They also started focusing on mental health programs, helping first-generation American-born children and traditional Chinese parents understand each other.
2007	With so many new members, the club needed formal organization. The Club registered as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit in the IRS revenue code. The name officially became Chinese-American Family Coalition. The Executive Director is Angie Ngai.
2008	-CAFC hosted the Dragon Boat Festival. Over 400 families participated. Chinese Opera performances, literature exhibitions, and numerous food vendors were involved. The Dragon Boat Festival attracted sponsors, donors, volunteers, and support from Fort Lee officials, Fort Lee Board of Education, and Governor Corzine. -A tragic earthquake hit Szechuan, China. CAFC hosted local fundraisers to donate 60 tents and materials for families who lost their homes.
2009	CAFC began to expand their cultural reach to educational institutions, such as Fort Lee Public Schools, Rutgers University, Bergen Community College, and Bergen Academy. They hosted events and/or performances on all major Chinese holidays, especially Chinese New Year.
2011	CAFC opened an independent office space in Fort Lee to expand statewide services.
2012	CAFC receives 1^st Place at the International Health Qigong Forum Tournament & Exchange.
2013	CAFC hosts two shows in Lincoln Center in New York City. The first Golden Peony event premiered as a CAFC international cultural exchange program with talented, young artists in China and U.S.
2014	-CAFC hosts two shows in Lincoln Center in New York City. The first Golden Peony event premiered as a CAFC international cultural exchange program with talented, young artists in China and U.S. -CAFC Legal Referral Services is located in headquarters. Legal Services includes immigration, international business, notary services, and an on-call attorney. -CAFC Learning Center launched in the neighboring suite of headquarters. Programs included after-school, SAT prep, Chinese language, and academic consulting. -Recreational activities began to take place in Englewood Recreation Center. Programs included dance, singing, martial arts, health qigong, jazz chamber, and orchestra. -CAFC hosted the second Golden Peony event at Dizzy Gillespie Auditorium in Englewood, NJ.
2015	-CAFC hosted an Asian American Heritage celebration for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at 1100 Raymond Blvd, Newark, New Jersey with a program which included Meifang Zhang, Deputy Counsel General of the People’s Republic of China in NYC. The Deputy Counsel General’s speech was followed by a musical presentation of Guzheng, a traditional Chinese instrument, and Tai Chi Kung Fu performance. -CAFC hosted the third Golden Peony event: Art & Music Competition in Anna Maria Ciccone Theater in Bergen Community College, NJ.
2016	-CAFC combines 10^th Anniversary Gala, with Asian American-Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the fourth Golden Peony in an all-day affair at Fair Lawn Community Center. -CAFC hosts Asian American-Pacific Islander Heritage month at US Customs & Border Protection. -CAFC prepares to launch U.S. Liaison Office in Beijing.