By Andri Tambunan 

Starting in 2012 as a small weekday barbecue and evolving into a highly anticipated event,  Iu Mien Community Services (IMCS) has transformed its Annual Healthy Village Senior Picnic Day into a cherished tradition.

In its early years, the picnic was part of weekly gatherings for older adults — simple, intimate and fully supported by grant funds, general donations and volunteer efforts. Back then, IMCS provided all the food and drinks, and the focus was fellowship through sharing a meal, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

Over the years, the event has grown in both size and spirit, and the picnic has transformed into a vibrant, potluck-style celebration where community members share authentic Iu Mien dishes. 

Ton Feuy Saelee is a regular attendee at the annual picnic. “I really like today’s event,” Saelee said. “I loved the authentic homemade food that the seniors brought for the potluck.”

This year’s picnic featured resource tables from partner organizations, including Asian Resources Inc., Sacramento Health And Life Organization, Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services, La Familia Counseling Center and United Latinos Sacramento. 

Attendees also enjoyed raffle prizes donated by Wing Wa Supermarket, along with a variety of activities designed to celebrate Iu Mien culture while promoting health, unity and connection among older adults and their families.

Kou Lee, program manager of ICMS, said the annual picnic is a safe place to socialize, meet old friends and make new ones. “This is what community stands for: everyone coming together, sharing, helping, loving and caring for each other.”

This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Hmong Daily News, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Support stories like these here, and sign up for our monthly newsletter.