Ben Wong Yee Celebrates 89^th Birthday

Friends and Relatives Feted; Charitable Donations Made

The children and grandchildren of retired businessman, noted community leader and Yee Fung Toy Advisor Ben Wong Yee hosted a dinner party at the China Doll Restaurant on September 9^th, 2001 in celebration of the family patriach’s 89^th birthday. 

At the front of the banquet hall an entire table was filled with gold framed wellwishing red birthday plaques decorated with designs of golden peaches and evergreen fir and cedar trees--traditional symbols of longevity, and other precious gifts from wellwishers.  An atmosphere of joy and gaiety pervaded the banquet hall as it filled to capacity with almost 300 guests.

The dinner festivities began with welcoming remarks by eldest grandson Mr. Steven Yee, followed by remarks in Chinese by Elder Mr. John M. Yee in tribute to Mr. Ben Wong Yee, devoted husband and father, as well as successful businessman.  Mr. John M. Yee also introduced the host family members and relatives, many of whom came from out of state for this special occasion.

During dinner, officers of the Yee Fung Toy Association, including President Willie Yee, Vice President Ed Yue, Elders and Advisors honored Mr. Yee with the presentation of a plaque bearing the inscription in Chinese “For Dedicated Service to Clan Business; For Promoting Welfare of Clansmen” in recognition and appreciation of his many years of tireless service to the Yee Fung Toy Association. 

Daughter-in-law May (Mrs. Gary) Yee spoke on behalf of the children, wishing Mr. Yee continued good health and many more birthdays to come, and proposed a toast to the dinner guests.  This was followed by the singing of Happy Birthday and cutting of the birthday cake by Mr. Yee.  The evening came to a close with remarks of thanks delivered by grandson Mr. Scott Yee, but not before a donation of $200 was made to the Yee Fung Toy Association, and donations of $100 each were made to the Ong Ko Met Association, the Wong Family Association, the Lung Kong Family Association, the Phoenix Chinese Senior Citizens Association, the Phoenix Chinese Baptist Church, the  Fung Toy Monthly Magazine, and the Kaiping Beiyan Newsletter.