Despite a forecast of rain, sunny skies greeted runners and walkers for the fourth annual ICHS Foundation Lunar New Year 5k on February 23. The event raised $30,000 to support health care access for families who couldn’t otherwise afford it, taking place on the Interurban Trail just blocks away from the ICHS Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic.
Approximately 300 attendees ranged in age from 1 to 88, including one family of participants that included three generations – the parents running and grandparents walking with grandchildren. Highlights included a traditional Chinese Lion Dance performed by the International Lion Dance Team and a lively group warmup led by Toshiko Aramaki, a Shoreline-area exercise instructor.
“It was wonderful to see so many people, of all ages, enjoying themselves for a great cause,” said Ron Chew, ICHS foundation director. “We look forward to building upon this year’s success, so start training for the Lunar New Year 5k in 2021, the Year of the Ox!”
The event would not have been possible without the generous contributions of many volunteers, sponsors and partners from within the community. The City of Shoreline and Aurora Rents were Presenting Sponsors. Race check-in was held in Shoreline City Hall and the Lunar New Year performance and vendors in the courtyard of Aurora Rents.
Volunteers from the Shoreline Fire Department donated time as medical emergency responders, while international education students from Shoreline Community College helped serve as event staff. Local organizations with a presence included the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park chapter of the League of Women Voters, Shoreline Senior Center and Prevail Physical Therapy.
Presenting Sponsors:
Aurora Rents
City of Shoreline
Platinum Sponsor:
Swedish Hospital
Gold Sponsors:
Rainier Vehicle and Vessel Licensing, LLC
Silver Sponsors:
Amerigroup
Community Health Plan of Washington
Tai Tung Inc.
Bronze Sponsors:
Asian Counseling & Referral Service (ACRS)
Aurora Borealis
Merchant’s Parking Association
Mei-Ling Woo State Farm Agency
Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation Development Authority
Join a rat race that promotes good health and makes a difference. International Community Health Services (ICHS) today opened registration for its annual Lunar New Year 5k Walk / Run at: www.ichs.com/5k.
This year’s fundraiser takes place along Shoreline’s Interurban Trail on Feb. 23, 2020 in celebration of the Year of the Rat. All proceeds will support health services for community members who could not otherwise afford them. Festivities will include a traditional lion dance for good fortune and firecrackers to chase away evil spirits in honor of the Lunar New Year, the most important Chinese holiday.
“ICHS Foundation looks forward to a great event that brings the community together in support of local families,” said Ron Chew, ICHS Foundation director.
Registration is $35 with an early bird discount price of $30 until Dec. 31. Attendees under 14 or 65 and older can participate for free. Participants will receive a time chip, bib, Lunar New Year 5k tee-shirt and other special giveaways from ICHS and event vendors. Free parking is available at Shoreline City Hall and ICHS Shoreline Clinic.
For more information or to learn how to become an event volunteer, email: foundation@ichs.com
Associate of Art and Science Associate of Dental Hygiene
Certification:
BLS
Why I Work at ICHS:
I volunteered at ICHS while in college 10 years ago and I fell in love with the multicultural and diverse setting that ICHS provided. I am grateful for organizations like ICHS, which provide affordable and quality health care for all and I am honored to be a part of the organization.
Patient Care Philosophy:
Treat patients with the best care like I would want to be treated.
Interesting Note About Myself:
I had major dental anxiety growing up and I had my very first dental cleaning at ICHS International District clinic after I immigrated to America. The kindness and patience that the doctor and clinic staff exhibited helped me overcome my anxiety and motivated me to work in the dental field.
I love working with people and learning about them. It is cool that there is so much similarity between all of our different cultures. Shared understanding of each other makes us stronger at ICHS.
Patient Care Philosophy:
Empowering people with knowledge and skills in oral care is the cornerstone to lifelong good oral health.
Interesting Note About Myself:
My husband and I just bought an 110 year old Seattle project house that we hope eventually will be our home. So I am now ‘interested’ and engrossed in home re-modelling.
Doctor of Nursing Practice and Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, University of Washington Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and French, Duke University
Certification:
Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse
Why I Work at ICHS:
I work at ICHS because of its commitment to serving people that would otherwise have little access to health care. I also chose this organization because the staff is passionate about their work and is committed to giving our patients high-quality care.
Patient Care Philosophy:
As a provider I seek to collaborate with patients to optimize their health so that they can work, care for their loved ones, and lead meaningful lives. I believe that health is multidimensional and not just physical, and I strongly value preventive medicine in order to avoid or minimize future disease.
Interesting Note About Myself:
I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia, but after college I left the muggy South for the beautiful and more temperate Pacific Northwest. I love to travel, hike, play board games, sing karaoke, and rock climb. I love seeing patients across the lifespan, and I have a soft spot in my heart for LGBTQ health and palliative and end-of-life care.
Location:
Location:
Work Location: