PRESIDENTIAL CIRCLE

...UIAT History Contined

This list has been growing.  After each performance, they received invitations to participate in future engagements.  In February 2000, members of the UIAT Youth Dance Troupe traveled to George Mason University in Fairfax, VA to compete at Expressions, the first Filipino-American East Coast Perfofmring Arts competition.  The dance troupe wonfirst place int he Filipino Folk dance category, competing against groups from the entire East Coast.  On September 29, 2001, a Cultural Development Program, although short-lived, was initiated by Addie Bugtong.  

The Senior Citizens Group became self-sufficient in funds and activities soon after its formation.  Their dance troupe dwindled in numbers by attirtiion and eventually fadded away

Miss ilocandia (later changed in 1993 to Miss Teen Philppines of VA) populatity contest, harborfest and fest events concessions, atlantic city trips, crhsitmas caroling, discos, shindigs, are some of the revenue sources that have made possible yearlly allocation of as over $21,000 to scholarships and charities, as well as a generous santa claus at Christmas time.  In august 2000, the Miss Teen Philippines popularity contest raised a record breaking revenu of $70,000 which allowed UIAT to donate a record breaking $25,000 to the Philippine Cultural Center Building Fund.

Annual tuition assistance scholarships have not only been given to eligible UIAT members but also to other derserving Filipino-American graduating high school students in Hampton Roads.  Depending upon the success of the various fund raising drives, UIAT has awarded as much as $1,000 scholarship to each qualified student in a given school year.  In July 2000, a Dr. Erlinda R. Ramiscal Memorial Fil-Am Scholarship froma family trust fund awarded its first $1,000 Scholarship.  This scholarship is ongoing and is being administered by the Scholarship Committee.

In 2003, under the presidency of Rachel Crist, the UIAT Youth Club sponsored a child from the PHilippines through Christian Children Foundation.  The club periodically volinteeredd at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters interacting andplaying with the patients.  

In addition to the Scholarship Program, UIAT sustains the Youth Program, the Youth Dance Troupe, the Senior Citizens Group, donates to Operation Smile, the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Joy Fund, Sisters of the Poor, other Charities and most especially and lavishly to the Philippine Cultural Center and continues to endorse and support fundraising drives of other Filipino-American organizations.

There have been many on and off projects and activities that have been undertaken, such as Ilocano classes, pre-employment physical examination done by member physicians, blood pressure screening and CPR certification by member nurses, "big time" bingos, STEP classes, lectures by community specialists on taxes, health maintenance, self defense, etc... and Debutante Balls.

Other activities that have become annual events are the Valentine's Day luncheon, Easter Egg Hunt, a Spring Dance, a Summer Picnic, Mother's Day event, and Father's Day luncheons, Grandparents Day party for the Senior Citizens group, Thanksgiving luncheon, Christmas Family Party and the Gala inaugural/induction dinenr and ball.

On February 7, 1986, the UIAT was incorporated under the Commonwealth of Virginia.  On November 24, 2000, the IRS gave UIAT the 501 C-3 Tax Exemption status.  To keep members updated and informed, an "Ilocandia News"  has been mailed to member families every month for 18 years and bi-monthly since February 1996.  In February 2000, the 23 year old memeograph machine that printed the Ilocandia News was retired and replaced with a computer.  The sound system was upgraded with the purchase of a Yamaha keyboard to supplement the minus-one hookup.  The property inventory continues to grow: a fax machine, galley equipment to operate concessions stands, a wide variety of props and over $10,000 worth costumes in the Folk Arts Wardrobe.

UIAT, Inc continues to be blessed with dedicated leaders and loyal hardworking members who have carried on its tradition and mission for the last 36 years.