The Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc., Greater Chicago Chapter (OCA-Chicago) hosts "The First Event, The Kickoff of 2002 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month" at a press conference and ceremony releasing the 2002 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Commemorative Bookmark, on Wednesday, May 1, 2002 at Szechwan Restaurant, 625 North Michigan Avenue at Ontario Street, Chicago, from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Nancy Loo, morning anchor at FOX CHICAGO TV, will serve as the ceremony's emcee. "For the fifth year in a row, OCA-Chicago is delighted to partner with community leaders, and with FOX CHICAGO TV to kick off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in such a meaningful way," said Don Villar, OCA-Chicago president. Project funding for the fifth anniversary of the bookmark issuance is being provided by FOX CHICAGO TV. Project direction is being provided by ENERI Communications, LLC of Chicago. Approximately ten thousand bookmarks will be distributed throughout Chicagoland via community outlets, stores, libraries and schools. Bookmarks will also be available at no charge to the public, while supplies last. Requests for bookmarks, may be sent by e-mail request to ocachicago@yahoo.com or by telephone to (312) 458-0832. The number of VIP limited editions of the bookmark being prepared (the popular laminated version -- which people have fought over to get in the past), is being released at 150 this year. The Special Edition is traditionally distributed to key community, governmental, civic, business and professional leaders who participate in the first-day release ceremonies, as well as the leadership of OCA-Chicago and OCA-National, the sponsor and the artistic team. Founded in 1973, the Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc. (OCA) provides a national voice for all Americans of Chinese and Asian descent. It advocates for the rights and welfare of Chinese Americans and Asian Americans, promotes political and economic opportunities, and enhances educational and career opportunities for all Asian Pacific Americans. With a network of 44 chapters across the United States and an overseas chapter in Hong Kong, OCA has become an effective voice in Washington, D.C. and across the nation for all Asian Pacific Americans. Founded in 1977, the Greater Chicago Chapter of the Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc. has been involved in many civic, charitable, social and educational activities.(Source: Irene Cualoping, JD, ENERI/Rieny).