By Tarika Cefkin
It’s the Year of the Ox, and the Na- than Yip Foundation celebrated with its first-ever virtual party. The organization was founded in 2002 by Denver residents Linda and Jimmy Yip after losing their son, Nathan, in a car accident in 2001.
Guests watched the virtual event from the comfort of their homes as the show kicked off with a lion dance performance by Nguyen Thieu Buddhist Youth Association. Denver 7’s Anne Trujillo led the group in the traditional good luck salad toss - typically served family-style at the banquet, with guests using chopsticks to toss all the lucky ingredients together. Viewers were greeted by 2021 Chair, Diana Backstrom, and Honorary Chairs Ding-Wen and Tai-Dan Hsu before former Denver Bronco, Reggie Rivers, emceed the rest of the event from a live studio.
To enhance the free viewing experience, supporters were able to purchase a party box or 5-course take-out meal, provided by Jing Restaurant. Party boxes included fun props and prizes, sponsor- ship of a rural teacher appreciation gift, and access to a virtual after party. President-elect Jon Olafson led the after party from the University Club, where he also hosted a small, socially distanced viewing party. Earlier in the week, party boxes were delivered by NYF Executive Director Tarika Cefkin and NYF supporter Mieko Nakamura in Mieko’s “Cow Bug” and cow costumes.
Funds raised will support K-12 rural schools throughout Colorado, with a fo- cus on new needs arising from COVID-re- lated challenges. For more information, visit nathanyipfoundation.org.