The Chinese American Service League (CASL) marked its 45th anniversary with a gala in Chicago, sponsored by the Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust. The foundation generously donated $10 million to the organization. The event attracted over 400 Chicago residents, all showing their support for CASL's community mission.
Numerous representatives from Flying Food Group (FFG) attended the gala to celebrate CASL’s anniversary and to witness the presentation of the Golden Lion Award to David Cotton, CEO of FFG. This award was given on behalf of the Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust. The Golden Lion Award is designed to honor individuals or organizations that embody the spirit of CASL and make a positive impact in their community.
According to information available on the FFG website, this company was established in 1983 by Sue Ling Gin, a first-generation Chinese American. FFG provides food catering services to major airlines such as Air France, Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss Air and TAP Air Portugal. The headquarters of FFG are based in Chicago.
Before her death in 2014, Gin established a charitable trust that currently receives all company profits. The Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust was formed with the intention of continuing Gin’s legacy of philanthropy and community support.
According to FFG, Sue Gin's association with CASL predates the founding of Flying Food Group. Her initial catering kitchen near Midway Airport employed young Chinese immigrant women from CASL. This marked the beginning of a lasting relationship between them.
Over its 45-year history, CASL has concentrated on addressing the needs of Chinese Americans. In recent years—specifically over the last five—CASL adopted a case-coordination model that enables them to serve entire multi-generational households by addressing all their needs; these range from elderly care for grandparents and employment for parents to early childhood and after-school education for infants and children. With 27 programs, CASL supports families in building strong communities.
The Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust's $10 million donation will be used to replicate CASL's community care model on a five-acre property in the South Loop. The funds will be allocated towards senior housing, an early childcare center, an industrial kitchen for various programs, an adult day service center, a community center, office space, and outdoor garden spaces.