Yonghwa Ha Donates $10,000 to the Share the Love Campaign

On October 14, Chairman of the Solomon Agency Group and former 31st KAAGNY President Mr. Yong-hwa Ha donated $10,000 to the Share the Love Food Relief Campaign.

As a result, KAAGNY’s Share the Love Campaign raised over $1,083,695 as of October 19th. Chairman Yong-hwa Ha said, “Giving donations brings greater joy than receiving donations,” and added, “I hope more people participate in the campaign and experience the joy of sharing with your neighbors.” Mr. Ha also stated, “I hope that through KAAGNY, which is the center of Korean-American community, our community can grow in the midst of difficulties by uniting as one.”

Below is a (translated) interview with Chairman Yong-hwa Ha.

Why did you donate to the Share the Love Food Relief Campaign?

Mr. Ha: Upon hearing about numerous donations given by successful businessmen in the Korean-American community through KAAGNY, I decided to make my own contribution and to promote the fundraising campaign so that more people in our community can receive the relief they need.

What does “donation” mean to you?

Mr. Ha: I believe giving donations brings greater joy than receiving donations. I feel a sense of gratitude when I am able to be a part in assisting those in need. It is something that brings joy and happiness to my heart.

What are your principles, whether in business or in your personal life?

Mr. Ha: First, my business philosophy is maintaining a positive mind-set. I always keep a positive mind when it comes to business and even under difficult circumstances, I still maintain that positivity. Secondly, I wish for my employees and colleagues to have happiness and fulfillment in their lives. I wish for all employees, customers, and people we meet in our daily lives to be happy.

What is your personal motto?

Mr. Ha: My personal motto in my 20s and 30s was having patience. It was a difficult time that brought a lot of disappointment. Now my motto is, as I said earlier, having a positive mind-set. We must all maintain our positivity, even under these difficult circumstances.

What sort of changes do you expect or would like to see in the Korean American community through the Share the Love Food Relief Campaign?

Mr. Ha: Donation is a collective effort, meaning that it cannot be led only by the affluent; no matter the size of your contribution, big or small, our collective effort can have a wide impact. As the founder of the Esther Ha Foundation, I am touched by donors who contribute their hard-earned money to a good cause, no matter the size. Through the Share the Love Food Relief Campaign, I hope we can all feel the joy of giving and sharing. In addition, as a former President of KAAGNY, I am thankful to see KAAGNY leading a community-wide effort to provide food relief to those in need. Through this campaign, I hope that KAAGNY will continue its role as a leading organization, nurture unity within our community, and continue on its mission to improve the lives of Korean Americans families.

Do you have a message for those who are experiencing difficulty during the pandemic?

Mr. Ha: Even though times are difficult, the important thing is that you have to recognize the changes in the world and always strive to learn and grow. If necessary, start asking your children and the people in your community to adapt to the new changes. One cannot blame exterior factors in one’s life forever. I believe it is important to keep a positive mind-set and to stay updated with new developments and apply them to one’s life so that we may successfully overcome this difficult time. I hope KAAGNY helps on this matter as well.

Any words for those who are considering to participate in the Share the Love Campaign?

Mr. Ha: What is certain about donation is that it brings happiness. Even a small donation is commendable and you should not feel self conscious about the size of your donation. I believe any donation will be very helpful to this effort, and please do not hesitate to contact KAAGNY to express your intention to donate. Please join the Share the Love Campaign.

Future plans?

Mr. Ha: If possible, I would like to pursue what I believe in regardless of my age. Currently, I am working with several other companies on merging to expand business in Virginia, Georgia, and Texas. Additionally, through the generosity of our donors, the Esther Ha Foundation has been providing much-needed mental health services within our community. I will continue to work diligently through the Esther Ha Foundation so that we may fight together through these difficult circumstances.