The Southwest Management District proudly sponsored this year’s Double Ten Gala, commemorating the 113th birthday of the Republic of China (Taiwan). More than just a celebration, this event symbolized the unity and democratic values shared by Taiwan and the United States, emphasizing that liberty and democracy require collaborative effort from diverse communities.

A gathering of various cultural groups dined, mingled, and networked at the event, which underscored Taiwan’s role as a vital social partner of the United States. State Representative Valorie Swanson, Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, State Representative Gene Wu, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia, Senator John Cornyn, Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Wesley Hunt, and Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis, Tom S. Ramsey, Leslie Briones, and Adrian Garcia honored the occasion. Mayor John Whitmire’s representative read a proclamation declaring October 27, 2024, as Double Ten Celebration Day, while a representative of Governor Greg Abbott announced the establishment of a new Texas Taiwan office, marking a new milestone in Texas-Taiwan relations.

As the evening unfolded, Congressman Al Green, praised for his dedication to the community, reminded attendees of Houston’s potential for unity across party lines, stating, “Regardless of party affiliation, we are all friends, and Houston, Texas, can be unified without uniformity.” Kenneth Li, acknowledged as the “father of Chinatown,” and Wei Le from the International Management District received special recognition for their support of Taiwan. Li, a longstanding advocate, shared his admiration for Taiwan and his eagerness to visit again.

Dawn Lin, a Southwest Management District board member, served as the evening’s MC, coordinating a toast on stage with state and federal representatives to honor Taiwan’s birthday. Lin’s leadership, alongside the prominent officials, demonstrated the U.S. government’s strong support for Taiwanese-American partnerships.

David Peters, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee for the Southwest Management District, highlighted the importance of the month-long celebration in October, which provides “25 opportunities to promote Southwest Houston.” He noted the need for such partnerships to counter misconceptions about the area and encourage growth, stating, “There are so many organizations and districts in Houston, and the window to be recognized is very narrow. Sponsorship opportunities like this broaden that window, allowing us to be recognized not only by officials but also by the community.”

Kenneth Li, Board Chairman, echoed Peters’ sentiments, emphasizing that partnerships with organizations like Double Ten foster invaluable networking opportunities. “Many government officials come to celebrate with us, and these networking opportunities allow us to communicate and collaborate on ways to improve our area,” said Li. The district’s commitment to supporting events like the Double Ten Gala reflects its dedication to fostering a sense of unity and progress in Southwest Houston.

Through the Southwest Management District’s sponsorship of the Double Ten Gala, the district not only celebrated Taiwan’s enduring legacy but also strengthened relationships with officials and community members. The gala served as a powerful reminder of the value of cross-cultural partnerships in fostering liberty, democracy, and unity across communities.
Complete photo gallery available at: https://gallery.upstandingenterprises.com/doubletengala/