Yangs get community support

Benefit held for Hmong family without a country



MUNISING -- Last week, we introduced you to the Yangs--an 11-person family in Munising without a country. The Yangs are no ordinary immigrants; they're Hmong people, and their patriarch fought fearlessly with our military in the Vietnam war.

They've been in the U.S. for about 20 years, working and paying taxes, but six of them don't have citizenship. There's a problem with their immigration papers. They state they were deported, even though they never truly were.

They can only work at their Munising restaurant, Golden Heart, where they also live, but the building is falling apart. Now their only mark on U.S. soil is in jeopardy of being lost, but their neighbors, the people of Munising, are lending them a hand.

Tuesday night, they held a benefit dinner for the Yangs at the Moose Lodge, and hundreds of people showed up. All proceeds will help pay for a contractor to fix their crumbling home and restaurant.

Between raffles, silent auctions, dollar auctions, and a five dollar dinner, the community was able to raise almost $5,000 for the Yangs.

"I am very proud to be here, seeing all these people being here," said Lee Yang. "Every dollar is helping the family. What really matters is knowing that they really care for the family, and that's giving me hope."

We've had calls and emails from generous viewers who want to help the Yang family.

If you want more information on how to help, contact Margaret Kessell at (906) 387-1617.

Source