Irvine Commends Transparent Governance: RAYA and Sunshine Hearts Close Financial Loop for International Drum Festival and Award Scholarships

【LAPost / Irvine, Ca】On February 15, 2026, RAYA Art & Education and Sunshine Hearts Foundation held a Lunar New Year appreciation event and financial closing ceremony for their first International Drum Festival in Irvine. The gathering included a full public disclosure of revenues and expenses and the on-site distribution of student scholarships, demonstrating a complete cycle from project implementation to community reinvestment. Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu presented both organizations with an official City of Irvine commendation, recognizing their leadership in inclusive arts education and nonprofit transparency.

Public Reporting Highlights Governance Vision

The event opened with a detailed presentation of the festival’s financial report, outlining total income, expenditures, and oversight procedures. Organizers emphasized that proactive disclosure and standardized management are essential to honoring donor intent and building long-term trust. Many attendees noted that placing transparency at the forefront reflects a forward-looking governance mindset and offers a valuable model for community nonprofits.

Founder and Team Reflect on Mission

Yajuan Chen (Joanne), Founder of RAYA and CEO of Sunshine Hearts Foundation, elaborated on the organization’s philosophy:
“Passion alone is not enough for sustainable philanthropy—accountability and transparency are equally vital. As the mother of a child with special needs, I deeply understand the trust families place in us, and it is our responsibility to honor that trust through clear reporting and a closed-loop system.”

Operations Director Coco Liu then delivered a comprehensive financial briefing, walking the audience through budget execution, partner collaboration, and fund allocation, while expressing gratitude to donors, sponsors, and volunteers. She noted that transparency is not just a procedure but a culture—one that allows every supporter to see the tangible impact of their contribution.

Scholarships Celebrate Student Achievement

During the ceremony, participating drum students each received a $200 award check to sustained applause. Presenting guests included Bank Irvine Chief Marketing Officer Teresa Zhang; Cultural and Education Director Jane Zhang of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum; 9 Beats Drum Academy Founder Li Hongyu; and corporate donor representative Bianca, CEO of 亿康财富.

In her remarks, Jane Zhang said the students’ stage presence was “a source of inspiration for the broader community,” noting that performances like these help deepen public understanding of neurodiversity. Teresa Zhang added that serving as an independent financial manager and payment partner for the foundation reflects the important role financial institutions can play in community impact initiatives and cross-sector collaboration.

Looking Ahead with Transparency and Care

The event concluded with New Year greetings and group photos, marking both a celebration and a reaffirmation of purpose. Guests widely agreed that the combination of full financial disclosure and immediate scholarship distribution demonstrated a meaningful closed-loop model of accountability and impact.

Organizers said they will continue advancing inclusive arts education through professional management, transparency, and compassion—ensuring that more families feel seen, supported, and empowered through the arts in the year ahead.