The City of Fullerton, California, has officially proclaimed April 27 each year as “Kim Boo-Kon Philanthropy Day” in honor of SNK Group Chairman Kim Boo-gon, a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist.
A Declaration and Practice of Giving … “Wealth Is Not Meant to Be Kept, but Shared”
According to the Korean American Chamber of Commerce USA (Chairman Hwang Byung-gu), the proclamation ceremony was held on Monday, the 27th, at 5 p.m. at Fullerton Eunhye Korean Church. The event was attended by Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung, members of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (KACCOC), representatives from the Korean American Chamber of Commerce USA, and local residents, all of whom witnessed the positive impact of Chairman Kim’s spirit of generosity.
During the official proclamation, Mayor Fred Jung cited Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning as he commended Chairman Kim’s life and contributions. “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how,’” Jung said, adding, “Chairman Kim has demonstrated not only business success but also a deep faith in God and a profound commitment to humanity.” He emphasized that Kim’s philosophy—“Wealth is not what you keep, but what you give away”—has deeply resonated within the Fullerton community.
Chairman Kim’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond financial contributions. In a commemorative speech, advisor Noh Sang-il (former president of the OC Korean American Chamber of Commerce) noted, “Chairman Kim invited 40 young leaders to Korea and connected them with innovators, offering them not just a trip but a vision for the future.”
At the event, Chairman Kim also donated a total of $15,000 to local youth and educational organizations, including Fullerton Jr. All American, Bears Football & Cheer, and the Dragon Kim Foundation.
Mayor Jung remarked, “If you climb alone, you may fall alone—but when you lift others, we rise higher together,” and pledged that this proclamation would become an annual tradition in the City of Fullerton.
The establishment of “Kim Boo-Kon Philanthropy Day” is seen as both a recognition of the influence of Korean American leadership within mainstream society and a meaningful example of noblesse oblige, serving as an inspiration to the broader community.
Reporter: Amyang Ahn (amiangs0210@gmail.com)
