Rainbow colors greeted the 33 members and guests that arrived at Massimo’s on Tuesday, June 30th for the annual Installation Dinner. Attendees were welcomed as they enjoyed the opportunity to relax and visit with friends old and new. The program opened with a welcome from co-chair Kathy Garfinkle. Kathy invited everyone to travel over the rainbow with her to a place “where dreams come true.” A land where AAUW Fremont Branch members make a commitment and work together for equity and education for women and girls. Kathy then played a recording of “Over the Rainbow” sung by students from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown as she sang along and used American Sign Language. Avis Kresin spoke of the accomplishments of our four scholarship recipients: Nancy Ramirez, Kim Yee, Nadia Khan, and Sarah Dorman.

The program continued after dinner when co-chair Randy Fewel introduced high school student Sanika Parajape. Sanika has worked to raise money to support the education of girls and she made a generous donation to the Fremont Branch. Scholarship recipient, Nancy Ramirez, was introduced. Attendees enjoyed hearing from both young women and hearing about their future plans and their commitment to make a difference.

The installation began with “This Is Your Life” sponsored by CREST Toothpaste. Ralph Edwards, (aka) Randy Fewel, invited Kathy Bray to the chair of honor and began to narrate the story of Kathy’s remarkable life. We learned that Kathy grew up in the Sunset district of San Francisco where she enjoyed roller-skating down the hill on the sidewalk. She displayed her sense of fun and compassion when she planned to present a surprise cake to a teacher who had been out with a back injury. By the time she was ten, Kathy knew she wanted to be a teacher. She had many friends and was a good student. While attending the University of San Francisco, Kathy was invited to join the Women’s Honor Society. We were introduced to her good friend, Josie Diaz. Josie spoke of what a remarkable friend Kathy was throughout high school and those challenging years at the University of San Francisco. Alison Kieft then spoke about her friendship with Kathy and how she has enjoyed working with her these past few years. Kathy has continued to demonstrate her commitment to women and girls and the AAUW mission. How fortunate we are to have her on the leadership team. Kathy was given a mug with the beautiful rainbow and AAUW logo.

Ralph Edwards, (aka) Kathy Garfinkle, then called Steve Cho to come forward for a review of his amazing life. Steve was born in Los Angeles. He came from a large family where he learned the value of hard work and a good education. Steve attended Washington University where he first met his lovely wife, Amy, and continued his education at the University of Southern California where he studied computer science. Steve had never before considered public service when he was asked to run for City Council in 2000. He ran a successful campaign and has continued to demonstrate a commitment to Fremont and its citizens. He is also very active in the Chinese community. Steve is willing to speak up when something is not right. When he bought a roasted chicken at Costco, Steve called and complained that he was not pleased with how it was cooked. Steve was told to bring the chicken in that he had purchased a week ago! Ralph Edwards presented him with a rubber chicken for all his trouble. Steve said that he feels his greatest accomplishment is “stepping up and saying nothing is impossible.” In the future, he plans to “keep his options open and sail into the sunset.” Ralph Edwards then presented him with a toy sailboat! Steve is a man of strong convictions and principles and we are very thankful that he is our leadership team member and treasurer. Steve was presented with the past presidents pin and the AAUW mug.

Kathy Garfinkle thanked co-chair Randy Fewel and Alison Kieft who contributed decorations and much support. Kathy also thanked everyone for coming. She presented a rose to Kathy Bray, Steve Cho, Amy Cho and Randy Fewel. The program ended with a recording of Judy Garland singing “Over the Rainbow.” Alison Kieft put a beautiful rainbow basket together for a raffle. Jo Szeto was the lucky winner. Alison won one of the AAUW mugs. Members left happy and inspired to travel “Over the Rainbow” together!