The Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation empowers young people. The Foundation is not limited to Asian American youth; it promotes diversity among all young people.
There are three units to the Foundation: The board, advisory board and friends of the Foundation.
Board members must be graduates of the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation's Summer Youth Leadership Program. The board meets every month - except for March and September, when it meets twice a month. The board is made up of college graduates.
Diversity has always been a goal of the paper. Leading by example, the Northwest Asian Weekly reports on issues that affect all people of color. Coverage is not limited to Asian American issues.
The Northwest Asian Weekly has always been more than "just a newspaper." It sponsors events and has founded important groups in the community. Many newspapers have a foundation to work for the benefit of the community they serve. But few have foundations dedicated specifically to serving young people.
As a former teacher, Ng believes it is important to promote, encourage and inspire our young people. The Foundation emphasizes community building, leadership development, networking, diversity and community service so students have the tools to build a better tomorrow.
The Top Contributor to the Asian Community Awards are presented annually to individuals and organizations that have made a positive difference in the Asian Pacific American community.
More than anything else, this award is about volunteering. The recipients are chosen not because of their jobs or occupations; they are being recognized because of the work they choose to do in their spare time. Their contributions are made more significant by the fact that they do not expect anything in return.
The Northwest Asian Weekly and Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation have been giving out this award annually since 1990. The first Top Contributors dinner was held in 2002. The awardees do not need to be of Asian descent; anyone who has helped strengthen the community in some way can be considered.