By Stephen Stirling
Hundreds of parents attended the event in Flushing Meadows Corona Park with their adopted Chinese children since the program was designed in part as a celebration of Chinese Americans who have flourished in the United States. Hosted by Families with Children from China of Greater New York, a network of American families who have adopted Chinese children and seek to embrace their children's Asian heritage, the event featured traditional Chinese food, songs and dancing throughout the day.As part of the event's theme, “Lights, Lanterns, Action,” there were also several performances and speeches by Asian-American actors, including 8-year-old Danica Lee, who plays “Ming Ming the Duck” in Nickelodion's “The Wonder Pets,” and Alan Muraoka, who appears on “Sesame Street” as “Alan the Grocer.” Young praised parents in attendance for embracing and integrating their children's native culture into their new lives in America.”You're helping these children absorb the best part of both lands,” she said. “We are very rich to have you.” Later in the program, Young also performed a traditional Chinese folk song. Young, City Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing), and Flushing Chinese Business Association President Peter Koo were among the local officials in attendance and each received a “Role Model of the Year” award from Families with Children from China of Greater New York President David Youtz. Youtz said all three were shining examples of successful Chinese Americans who can be held in high regard in the eyes of adopted Chinese children nationwide. In the last 20 years, more than 55,000 Chinese children have been adopted by American families, including nearly 10,000 in the greater New York area alone, according to Youtz. Liu presented Youtz with an official proclamation from the City Council recognizing Families with Children from China's work in the city and state of New York. He said he is excited to see so many American families giving a good home to Chinese children in need. “We are living in a time where more and more children are being adopted from China,” he said. “It's a very special thing that happens, the kind of bond that's being formed among these families.”Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
