generations, from newly-arrived immigrants through fifth and sixth generation descendants of the first immigrants.
Depending on the immigration circumstances, their experiences varied widely, from poverty and discrimination to
professional and financial success. The many well-established Chinese communities in the U.S. encompass a
highly diverse group in terms of the historical context of their emigration and their reasons for immigrating.
encapsulates that diversity in every way. Descendants of the families that came to work on the railroads and in
agriculture settled there over the decades to find employment and start businesses. More recently-arrived
immigrants came to study in some of the country's most well-known universities and went on to work in professions
such as law, engineering, and finance, as well as to start a variety of businesses. While not everyone enjoyed financial
success, many of those who do now engage in philanthropy to show their appreciation for the opportunities they
have had, and to assist others in achieving their own goals and dreams.
known about philanthropists in the San Francisco Bay Area, especially with respect to the newly involved.
In order to understand and celebrate the activities of these philanthropists, questions such as the following
need to be considered:
Francisco Bay Area. The information was collected through in-depth interviews, and, following a brief overview
of the community today, will be largely presented in the participants' own words. In understanding the responses
of the participants, whether they are newly arrived entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley or descendants of the first Chinese
immigrants, it is important to understand their responses and vision in cultural context which they cited as formative.
Crucial values that inform their philanthropy include a fundamental belief in the interconnectedness of community
however that is defined and the obligation to promote the wellbeing of that community as a whole. Participants saw
that relationship to others as both outwardly focused in benefitting another and, as a consequence, the community
being strengthened, and a personal benefit through the satisfaction of helping others. The comments of the
participants in this study clearly demonstrated their conviction that it is essential to give back, to share the benefits
of their success, and to relieve suffering for the betterment of society overall.
community...and the obligation to promote the
wellbeing of that community as a whole.