Jiaozi Making Luncheon & Helping Our Neighbor in Need

On January 31, UCA WAVES had the privilege of hosting an incredible Jiaozi ( Dumpling ) Luncheon & Fundraiser, bringing our community together in the spirit of Lunar New Year! What a fantastic way to celebrate—sharing delicious Chinese food, making dumplings, enjoying beautiful performances, and most importantly, donating to support a family in need.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, including Rep. Maria Cervania (WAVES board member), Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley ,James Miller and Jennifer Meade from NC State Government Division of Mental Health, Cary Senior Center Manager Michelle Barrett and Gail Pruett from NAMI NC, Reid Bowman from NAMI Wake, Kathy Donnald, MS from Clinical Scholar Alumni network, Tanyetta Sutton from Wake County School District, Jennifer Sanford-Johnson from Karen Farm, Ruby Brown-Herring Thava Mahadevan & Derrick Hoover and many more friends. Your presence and support made this event truly special!

With over 40+ guests, we celebrated through paper cutting art, stunning performances like the Chinese Tai Chi Sword Dance, and the shared joy of giving. Through the incredible generosity of our friends, we raised $6,070 ($5,500 check + $570 cash) for the Karen refugee family. When the check was presented to the father’s sister-in-law, she was overcome with emotion, deeply touched by the kindness of our community. She later passed it on to the family, ensuring they receive the help they need during this difficult time.

At UCA Waves, we believe in spreading love, strengthening our community, and making a meaningful impact. This fundraiser continues our UCA Charitable Family Dumpling Banquet tradition, bringing people together not only to celebrate culture but to uplift our neighbors in need and promote mental health awareness.

The fundraising drive will continue until February 27—if your heart desires, please consider continuing to support this family. Let’s keep love at the center of everything we do!

What a day! Our Jiaozi ( Dumpling ) Luncheon was nothing short of magical! From the moment people of all backgrounds gathered together to fold dough, stuff fillings, and share stories, it was clear—this is what community looks like. It wasn’t just about making dumplings; it was about creating moments, sharing laughter, and celebrating culture.

Every smile, every dumpling stuffed with love, and every new friendship made reminded us of why we do what we do. At WAVES, we believe that culture is a bridge, not a barrier, and today, that bridge was filled with joy, connection, and warmth.

Big shoutout to everyone who joined in —you made this event a true celebration of what it means to be stronger together.

It’s not just about the food (though, let’s be real, those dumplings were AMAZING). It’s about building a community where kindness and support are at the heart of everything we do. One dumpling at a time, we’re making a difference.

Let’s keep the love going! Every dumpling made, every dollar donated, and every person who showed up is helping to lift up others. So let’s keep that spirit of generosity alive!