The International Community Health Services (ICHS) Foundation raised $78,000 at the inaugural Rooted: 2022 Community Celebration held on November 12, 2022 at Joyale Restaurant. 

"The community came through again" said Heidi Wong, ICHS Foundation Executive Director. "We're grateful for the overwhelming support to continue our work serving elders."

ICHS has always been rooted in providing care for seniors since our beginning as a volunteer-run clinic. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light how essential it is to honor our elders, advocate for their needs, and support families in caring for their loved ones.

The funds from the event will support ICHS' five senior services programs, collectively named Healthy Aging & Wellness Programs (HAWP). Services include an Assisted Living facility in Seattle's Chinatown-International District serving seniors in multiple Asian languages, to an innovative adapted Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance program to support seniors in their mobility in linguistically and culturally sensitive ways.  

All these programs have adapted to the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep senior patients, residents, and participants safe said Wong. As a cause for celebration, "this event was a smashing success" says Wong.

The evening consisted of dance performances by ICHS' senior participants, heartfelt reflections on the importance of senior services today, as well as the passing of the CEO torch between Teresita Batayola, ICHS CEO of 17 years, to ICHS' new leader, Kelli Nomura.

Nomura has succeeded Batayola as of November 7, 2022.