NOVEMBER 2019

Hello From AIISF’s New Executive Director, Edward Tepporn

Dear AIISF family, I am humbled, honored, and excited to be joining the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation in its efforts to preserve the site as well as to continue to lift up the historical and contemporary stories of immigrants in the United States. My own immigration story began in 1974 when my parents and I moved from Thailand to Texas. We settled in Houston where -- like many other immigrants -- we faced significant racism, discrimination, and xenophobia. One of my childhood experiences that exemplifies what it was like to grow up as an Asian immigrant in Texas was when … Click here to read more about Ed’s story

Giving Tuesday and AIISF’s End of Year Campaign Are Right Around The Corner

December 3, 2019 is Giving Tuesday — a global movement that has inspired hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. It's also the kick-off of our end of year campaign. We recognize that there are many worthy causes and organizations that you can choose to contribute to. We hope that you’ll consider a donation to help us continue our mission and vision.

Click here to make a year-end contribution to AIISF

Click here if you would like to make a contribution outside of Facebook Giving.

Through the generous support of Southwest Airlines and to thank AIISF’s supporters, we are conducting a drawing for two pairs of round-trip travel for two to any Southwest published, domestic destination including Hawaii that can be used for an early 2020 getaway! Deadline to enter is January 1, 2020.

Click here to enter the drawing for the Southwest Airlines tickets

Support AIISF While You Shop! Here are two additional ways to support AIISF this holiday season.

Inspired by the Lenora Lee Dance Company’s performance of “Within These Walls”, Picnic and Botanica recently introduced the Picnic Candle. For every candle purchase, AIISF will receive a one dollar contribution. Shop here. Did you know that Amazon allows you to support AIISF by shopping online? Just click here to select AIISF as your designated charitable organization, and we’ll receive a donation of 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases.

Program Highlight: Supporting School Visits

For some students, visiting the Angel Island Immigration Station is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, since 2018, AIISF has provided scholarships to cover transportation costs, tickets, and other expenses for hundreds of students. An 11th grade teacher from Paloma Creek High School recently wrote: "My US History class finished a unit of study centered on the Chinese Exclusion Act. This trip was an amazing ending to our study. Taking a group to Angel Island was, I thought, "a pipe dream." Most of the students that attended the trip had never been to San Francisco or on a ferry or island. Your grant allowed for this incredible opportunity for my class. Thank you again for an amazing experience that we could not have done without your support."

Update: Pacific Coast Immigration Center

Enjoy a sneak peek of the restored interior of the PCIC. Over the next 10 months, designers and project managers will be installing exhibits that focus on stories of Pacific immigration - both past and present. Along with the building's new fixtures, you'll also find that many historical elements have been incorporated in the final design. The grand opening celebration is scheduled for September 2020. Stay tuned for more updates!

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