May Yee turns 100! A Century of Memories!!!
When I first learned about May Yee’s upcoming milestone, I couldn’t contain my excitement! A century of life, love, and legacy—what an incredible journey to celebrate! Working alongside May’s daughter, Phyllis, to plan this monumental event was an absolute honor.
May Yee is not just any centenarian—she’s a trailblazer, a matriarch, and a beacon of strength for her family and the Asian American community. Her accomplishments speak volumes, and it was time to honor her with a birthday bash like no other.
Knowing May’s love for authentic Chinese cuisine, we knew just where to host the festivities—the vibrant Asian banquet halls of San Gabriel Valley. From the traditional eight-course meal to symbolic dishes like longevity noodles and sweet peach buns, you knew you were eating in the 626, home of authentic Asian cuisines.
We decorated the venue with her favorite color purple and added elements of gold to bring out the pizazz! We placed a beautiful treat box filled with May’s favorite candy bars “ Pay Day” and of course we had to throw in “100 grand” chocolate bars for the birthday girl. As a token for good luck, each box also included a gold coin gifted by the hosts. The tablescape included customized center pieces all taylored around the birthday girl!
But what’s a party without entertainment? We kicked off the festivities with adorable young dancers, followed by the mesmerizing performances of Chinatown’s famous lion dancers. The beats of the drums and chimes filled the air, igniting the energy and excitement of the crowd.And let’s not forget the music—May’s favorite tunes from the 60s and 70s filled the venue, evoking nostalgia and setting the perfect backdrop for celebration. As the DJ played classics like “Unforgettable” and “Twist and Shout” guests couldn’t help but sing along, creating moments of pure joy and connection.
Of course, the highlight of the evening was May herself. A touching slideshow took us on a journey through her remarkable life, while heartfelt speeches from family members underscored the profound impact she has had on their lives.And then, it was time for the grand finale—May blowing out 100 individual candles! The sight of her radiant smile as we all sang “Happy Birthday” is one I’ll never forget. And as the night came to a close, it was clear that May Yee’s birthday celebration was more than just a party—it was a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come. Cheers to May Yee—centenarian extraordinaire and the life of the party!
