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About Us

 

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Our Story

How we started

Our founder, Kit, immigrated to the United States when she was thirteen. As with many immigrants, she could not speak English and found herself struggling to assimilate into her new environment. Fortunately, she found refuge in a non-profit organization in Chinatown, New York City that mentored children though after-school and summer programs. The impact of this organization remains with her to this day as she fondly remembers the educational and emotional support she received as a teenager. Finally, in 2007, Kit decided to establish the Giving Circle Fund to give back to the community and improve the quality of life for at-risk children.

Our Mission & Vision

Empowering disadvantaged children through education, we are committed to breaking barriers, fostering a love for learning, and providing resources to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their socio-economic background.

Giving Circle Fund, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, operates on a project by project basis. 

Our Team

Kit Chan

Kit Chan

Executive Director/President

Christina Chan

Christina Chan

Vice President

Connie Fong

Connie Fong

Treasurer

Beverly Ku

Beverly Ku

Secretary/Communication Director

Julia Chiang

Julia Chiang

Webmaster

Andrew Chan

Andrew Chan

Chief Legal Officer

Trustees

Anne & Steve Shu, Trustee

Anne immigrated from Hong Kong to the U.S. in 1975. She commenced her professional journey as a bilingual legal secretary in New York. However, upon marrying Steve, she transitioned to supporting her husband in managing his textile manufacturing and real estate enterprises. Together, they have raised four adult children. They resides in New Jersey but continues their work in New York, where they have been actively engaged in serving the Chinese community for numerous years.  Their consistent financial support to GCF reflects their belief in the impactful work the organization carries out.

Ronnie and Daisy Shum, Trustee

Ronnie and Daisy met during high school in Hong Kong, igniting a romance at the tender age of 14. They ventured to Canada for university at 18, where their bond deepened. Their journey led them to the altar at 24. At 29, they embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure in New York, culminating in the sale of their business at 64. Now retired, they bask in the comfort of two homes: one in New York, the other in North Carolina. Their family flourishes with two cherished daughters and two adored grandsons. Travel, golf, and meaningful projects enrich their golden years.

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Kit Chan

 

Born in Hong Kong, Kit immigrated to the U.S. at the age of thirteen, facing the challenge of adapting to a new culture without fluency in English. She discovered solace in a non-profit organization located in Chinatown, New York, which provided invaluable mentorship through after-school and summer programs. The profound impact of this organization continues to resonate with her, as she recalls the educational and emotional support she received during her teenage years. Now guided by her Christian faith, Kit reflects on the grace she experienced as a child and aspires to extend the same compassion to others. In 2008, Kit, alongside a devoted group of friends, established the Giving Circle Fund, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for at-risk children globally. Her vision is to create safe environments where children can thrive, receive support, and benefit from mentorship, regardless of their circumstances.

Christina Chan

 

Christina was born and raised in Shanghai and came to the US in the 80s as an international student. After graduating from the University of Maryland, she worked for Deloitte in DC before joining JP Morgan in New York. She left her career in finance to raise four children and was heavily involved in various fundraising efforts while her kids were in school. Now that her kids have grown up, she has taken on a role as an elder at the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly, where she co-chairs the faith nurturing committee for youth and adults.
 

Connie Fong

 

Connie is married and the mother of two sons. She has spent the past 25 years raising her family in New Jersey and being active within the community.
She graduated New York University with an accounting degree and earned a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Her working career started in public accounting and then spent the final 22 years as controller at a financial institution.With the children now grown, Connie looks forward to embracing new opportunities to give back and support the community that has been an integral part of their life.  She looks forward to making a difference in the lives of others, especially in the ones which are of most need.

Beverly Ku

 

Beverly Ku was born in Taiwan but spent most of her childhood in New York. She received her degree in accounting from NYU Stern and worked in the corporate world as a Certified Public Accountant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, LLP and later NBC, Inc. After becoming a mother of 3 wonderful children, her interest and passion developed towards health and wellness. She realized the importance of proper nutrition and lifestyle choices for her family’s well-being. She pursued a certification at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and currently works as a holistic health coach educating and empowering people to lead a more balanced, healthier and vibrant life through food and lifestyle choices and implementing wellness programs at health professional practices. When she is not working, Beverly loves volunteering for different causes, spending time with her family and with friends in her fellowship group, Mah-Jong club, book club, and pickleball group.

Julia Chiang

 

Julia was born in Raleigh, NC and lived most of her life up and down the East Coast. She worked many years as a licensed pharmacist but after having children she turned her attention to their education and became actively involved in the schools. She was President of the Franklin Lakes Education Foundation for two years and served as PTA/PTO President for the local elementary and regional high school. During these years, she honed her skills for graphic and web design and continues to create and design web and graphic work for clients. She is an avid reader, cook and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Andrew Chan

 

Andrew Chan is the Chief Legal Officer of the Giving Circle Fund ("GCF"). Andrew graduated from law school in 2009 and entered private practice in civil litigation. When he began practicing law, his goal was to achieve financial success to fund a high standard of living. After encountering Jesus Christ in 2013, his life mission changed. The enormity of God's love compelled him to seek opportunities to pass that love on to under-privileged communities which then led him to serve under GCF. He also manages the law firm Goldwasser & Chan LLP which partners with local non-profit organizations across the tri-state area supporting communities in need - this includes partnering with GCF.