Norcross, May 18, 2026 — The First Senior Center of Georgia (FSCofGA) marked a milestone evening on Saturday, hosting its first-ever annual fundraising dinner gala, A Night of Vietnamese Immersion, at its sprawling 30,000-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 the iconic Lion Dance to live music and cultural storytelling, the gala offered attendees a vibrant, immersive experience that underscored the beauty and depth of Vietnamese heritage.
A Landmark Gift of $328,000 from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia
The highlight of the evening came during a special ceremony in which DePriest Waddy, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, presented a philanthropy check of $328,000 to Von Tran, Founder and Executive Director of the First Senior Center of Georgia. The funds are designated to support the daily operations of the center, ensuring that vital services continue to reach thousands of seniors and families in need.
“I am deeply appreciative of the generous donation by the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia to our Center,” said Tran. “It will help us tremendously in providing better services to the seniors in the community.”
Waddy, who has led the Community Foundation since 2022, brings nearly 30 years of nonprofit and corporate leadership experience to the role. Under his leadership, the foundation — which has distributed more than $67.7 million to the community since its founding in 1985 — continues to connect philanthropists with causes that matter throughout Gwinnett County and Northeast Georgia.
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.
A Private Auction and a Pop-Up Shop
Guests also participated in a private auction, with proceeds benefiting the center's programs and operational needs. A Vietnamese pop-up marketplace featured clothing, skincare products, traditional fabrics, and jewelry, offering attendees a chance to connect with Vietnamese artisans and entrepreneurs while contributing directly to the center's mission.
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, having distributed close to 2.5 million pounds of food in a recent six-month period.
“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.
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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