Norcorss, May 18, 2026 — The First Senior Center of Georgia (FSCofGA) marked a milestone evening on Saturday, May 16, hosting its first-ever annual fundraising dinner gala, “A Night of Vietnamese Immersion,” at its 26,000-square-foot facility at 5555 Oakbrook Pkwy in Norcross.
The black-tie celebration drew legislators, business leaders, community advocates, and longtime supporters of the nonprofit, all gathered to honor the center's mission of serving Vietnamese and minority seniors across metro Atlanta — and to help secure its future.
The evening was nothing short of spectacular. Guests were treated to a rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture through a series of live performances, traditional and contemporary dances, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine. From live music and cultural storytelling to a vibrant Vietnamese pop-up marketplace featuring clothing, skincare products, traditional fabrics, and jewelry, the gala offered attendees a fully immersive experience that underscored the beauty and depth of Vietnamese heritage. A private auction was also held, with all proceeds benefiting the center's daily programs and services.
$328,000 Raised and Secured Through a Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia
In a centerpiece moment of the evening, Von Tran, Founder and Executive Director of FSCofGA, announced that the gala had raised $328,000 for the senior center — funds that will be held and managed through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) established at the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia (CFNEG). DePriest Waddy, President and CEO of CFNEG, was on hand to receive the contribution and formally recognize the milestone with the FSCofGA community.
“I am deeply appreciative of the generous donation by the community and thank you Community Foundation Northeast Georgia for assisting our Center,” said Tran. “It will help us tremendously in providing better services to the seniors in the community.”
Rather than depositing the funds directly into FSCofGA's operating account, Tran made the strategic decision to place the $328,000 into a Donor-Advised Fund in the organization's name at CFNEG. This approach provides stronger financial oversight and stewardship of the charitable dollars raised. Funds held in a DAF are professionally managed and invested, allowing the money to grow over time before being granted out to support FSCofGA's programs. The structure also provides clear separation of restricted and project funds, reduces risks tied to organizational turnover, and ensures compliance, reporting, and legacy planning support — all administered by CFNEG on FSCofGA's behalf.
The arrangement also makes giving easier and more attractive for donors. Many individual and institutional donors prefer contributing through a community foundation because they receive immediate tax deductions, can donate appreciated stock or complex assets, and trust the credibility and oversight that a foundation like CFNEG provides. In some cases, donors will only give through a DAF or foundation-managed account, making this structure a powerful tool for FSCofGA to attract larger and more sustained philanthropic investment.
It is important to note that the funding remains entirely the property of the First Senior Center of Georgia. CFNEG serves as the steward and administrative partner — holding, managing, and granting the funds back to FSCofGA as needed for its operations, initiatives, and services. This model is increasingly common among high-impact nonprofits and grassroots organizations seeking to build long-term financial stability while maintaining full programmatic control.
Honoring a Gwinnett County Legend – Wayne Mason
The gala also paid tribute to Wayne Mason, a towering figure in Gwinnett County's history and a pioneer in the region's economic and civic development. Mason's career in public service spans more than six decades. In the 1970s, he served on and later led the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, championing initiatives that transformed the county from a rural community into the internationally recognized, ethnically diverse hub it is today.
Gwinnett County is now home to approximately 27,000 Vietnamese Americans and is recognized as one of the most diverse counties in the United States, with 180 nationalities and 130 languages spoken — a legacy tied directly to Mason's visionary leadership. The honor was a fitting tribute, as FSCofGA itself stands as a testament to the kind of inclusive, thriving community that Mason helped build.
Eight Years of Service, One Night of Celebration
Founded in 2018 by Von Tran — herself a Vietnamese refugee who fled communist Vietnam in 1983 — the First Senior Center of Georgia has grown from a modest nonprofit into one of the most impactful senior service organizations in the state. The center currently serves approximately 3,200 households per month across Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Hall counties, offering a comprehensive range of services including food pantry assistance, bilingual healthcare, transportation, benefits enrollment, affordable housing support, and end-of-life care, including free burial services for low-income seniors.
Its food pantry ranks second out of more than 800 pantries in Georgia that partner with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and the center's transportation program provides close to 1,500 trips per month to seniors who would otherwise have no way to access care.
“I will never stop learning, never stop striving, so that First Senior Center will forever be a warm and welcoming home, a solid foundation for the golden years of our members,” Tran said.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural gala marks a new chapter for FSCofGA as it broadens its fundraising footprint and deepens ties with the broader Atlanta philanthropic community. With plans to expand transportation services and develop affordable senior housing in Gwinnett County, the organization is positioning itself for continued growth. The DAF partnership with CFNEG gives the center a strong financial foundation from which to build, ensuring that the dollars raised with such care and community spirit will be protected, grown, and deployed with the greatest possible impact.
For the Vietnamese seniors who rely on FSCofGA every day, Saturday night was more than a gala — it was a celebration of belonging, dignity, and a community that refuses to leave its elders behind.
For more information about the First Senior Center of Georgia or to support its mission, visit fscofga.com or call (470) 289-2222. The center is located at 5555 Oakbrook Pkwy, Building 500, Suite 500-A, Norcross, GA 30093.
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