International Community Health Services (ICHS) Foundation celebrated a successful inaugural Lunar New Year luncheon on February 13, 2025 in Seattle. The event raised over $198,000 to provide comprehensive health care to ICHS’ patients who are uninsured or underinsured, and would otherwise not be able to afford them.

ICHS serves over 30,000 patients in over 70 languages across King County. A majority of ICHS patients are low income and on Medicaid or Medicare.

“We are continuing to see an outpour of support,” says Christine Consolacion, ICHS Foundation Manager, “but we still need help to get us to our milestone goal of $200,000."

The event brought in nearly 300 attendees, all rallying around ICHS’ commitment to advocate for health as a human right.

“Together we can make a difference for people in need,” said ICHS CEO Kelli Nomura during her keynote speech, “[supporting patients] so they may have access to high quality accessible healthcare in their own language and create a healthier community for all of us.”

Since its founding over 50 years ago, ICHS has been a leader in advancing health equity in King County by meeting the changing health care needs of our traditionally marginalized communities.

The event featured a speech by King County Executive Dow Constantine, who spoke about how the county has continuously worked with ICHS to deliver care to underserved communities.

“Dow was also a strong ally in ensuring COVID vaccine access for our patients during the pandemic,” said Nomura. “ICHS thanks you for your tireless service to our County and your commitment to community health.”

ICHS’ first director Bruce Miyahara, MD, also spoke on stage with the concluding remarks. He described how ICHS navigated its share of challenges, and has grown to meet the changing needs of the community.

Sharon Yoo, KING5 “Facing Race” reporter, and Christine DeCastro, professional Fundraising Ambassador for ICHS, co-emceed the event.

Leilany Monet Gaytan Castro was featured in a video in which she shared her personal story receiving supportive, culturally-responsive care. While she was a student at Seattle World School she was inspired by the care she received from ICHS’ School Based Health Center team, who helped her to overcome health challenges she faced since immigrating to the U.S. She is currently studying for a career in dentistry and works part time at ICHS. The video featured an interview with Ana Short, ICHS Behavioral Health Specialist, who provided therapy and care for Leilany, helping her in her journey towards better health.

"We are trying to help [patients] have that equity,” says Ana Short. “That health equity that other people have been afforded in this country and that they deserve as well."