Wesley UMC honored at Yu-Ai Kai's 50th Anniversary Golden Gala

Yu-Ai Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service, Japantown's own senior service center, celebrated their 50th anniversary on March 16 with a banquet at Signia by Hilton. In front of the more than 500 people attending, Wesley UMC, along with the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin and the Japantown Lions Foundation, was honored to receive the Kay Shimizu Memorial Award as an "organization that represents the embodiment of philanthropy, humanitarianism, and a genuine dedication to the community, including exemplary service and support of Yu-Ai Kai." Rev. John Oda was there to graciously receive the award on behalf of the congregation.
The evening included a silent auction, a toast by Consul General of Japan Yo Osumi, a message from Yu-Ai Kai Executive Director Jen Masuda, plus performances by San Jose Taiko, Kawailehua Hula Ohana, and Jon Yamasato with Herb Ohta, Jr. Other award recipients included Wes Mukoyama and Roy and PJ Hirabayashi. Master of Ceremonies Mike Inouye kept the evening moving in his typically offbeat fashion. Thanks to the many Wesley people who attended and helped out behind the scenes, especially Dee Dee Azuma and Kelli Martines.
Congratulations to Yu-Ai Kai for 50 years of making a huge difference for the seniors in the Japantown community!

On behalf of Wesley UMC, Rev. John Oda accepted the Kay Shimizu Memorial Award from presented Nicole Sato, Vice President of the Yu-Ai Kai Board of Directors, (far left) and Jen Masuda, Yu-Ai Kai Executive Director.

Rev. John gave words of thanks, applauded Yu-Ai kai’s 50 year history of offering services to our Japanese seniors and also gave a plug for the Curry Cook-Off a joint event with the San Jose Buddhist Church and Wesley UMC, where all the proceeds go to Yu-Ai Kai.

Rev. John with Richard Poczulp and the evening's emcee, Mike Inouye, NBC Bay Area weekday morning traffic anchor and Kelli Martines, Yu-Ai Kai event committee member.

Along with Rev. John Oda, Phyllis Matsuura, and Mart Teagle representing Wesley UMC, was Rev. Gerald Sakamoto from the San Jose Buddhist Betsuin, who was also presented with the Kay Shimizu Memorial Award.

There were more than 35 Wesley UMC Church members celebrating Yu-Ai Kai’s 50th Anniversary and showing their support of our church and the award it received.

Misao Kusuda, (far right) her husband next to her with honoree Wes Mukoyama, former Executive Director of Yu-Ai Kai.

Scattered at tables around the room with some 500 celebrants, were Jeffrey Oldham and Brenda Gee

Jeffrey Oldham with Akiko Buchanan

Irene Nakamitsu, Louise and Gene Kinoshita

Laura and Denny Kinoshita

Trent Ueunten and his mother, Bobbie Ueunten.