Sponsorship Opportunities 

In the shadows of the Vietnam War, the CIA organized a Secret War in neighboring Laos to prevent communism from spreading deeper into Southeast Asia.  The Hmong fought for the United States and themselves to keep their way of life. By May of 1975, America had completely pulled out of the region and left thousands of Hmong refugees fending for themselves. This was the start of the Hmong diaspora. 

 

The Hmong began arriving in the United States in 1976 and thousands more after the Refugee Act of 1980.  America since then has become home to thousands of Hmong Americans. United States is home to 4.5% of the global Hmong population, and based on the 2020 census, there are 62,331 living in the state of Wisconsin, with just over 3,000 residing in the City of Eau Claire alone. The first Hmong family arrived in Eau Claire, WI in April of 1976.

 

In spring of 2025, the Hmong will have made Eau Claire, WI and the United States home for the last 50 years.  To mark this momentous milestone, local Hmong community members are organizing a 50th anniversary celebration of their journey to the United States and making the Chippewa Valley their home.

During these festivities, we look to engage the entire Chippewa Valley in celebrating our community’s 50th year milestone. Our celebratory events aim for the following with your support.

Host a community-wide recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Hmong diaspora and provide the opportunity for all local and regional community members to learn more about their Hmong neighbors through:

• Interactive exhibits, in collaboration with the Chippewa Valley Museum and UW-Eau Claire, on the Hmong diaspora that includes: “Coming to America,” celebrating Hmong pioneers, celebrating the community’s milestones, and sharing the next chapter for our community moving forward.

• Displays and documentaries of Hmong culture and art through clothing and “paj ntaub” (embroidery), music and musical instruments, and metal and woodworking.

• A theatrical performance of the Hmong story.

• A refugee simulation for the community to have a deeper understanding of the refugee experience.

• Finally, a community celebratory banquet for us to come together as a community and celebrate the diversity we have in Eau Claire.

Thawj Tuam Choj (Executive/Connector): $4,000 Gifts and above 

• 8 tickets for the 50th Celebration Gala

• One full-page advertisement (4.5” x 7.25”) in Program Booklet.

• Promotional listing on our social media, including a link to your company/organization’s website.

• Recognition of your support in our Program Booklet.

 

Thawj Coj (Leader): $2,000 - $3,999 Gifts 

• 6 tickets for the 50th Celebration Gala

• One half-page advertisement of your sponsorship (4.5” x 3.5”) in Program Booklet.

• Promotional listing on our social media including a link to your company/organization’s website.

• Recognition of your support in our Program Booklet.

 

Kwv Tij (Clan): $1,000 - $1,999 Gifts 

• 4 tickets for the 50th Celebration Gala

• One quarter-page advertisement (2” x 3.5”) in Program Booklet.

• Promotional listing on our social media including a link to your company/organization’s website.

• Recognition of your support in our Program Booklet.

 

Cuab Tsev (Family): $500 - $999 Gifts 

• 2 tickets for the 50th Celebration Gala

• Promotional listing on our social media, including a link to your company/organization’s website.

• Recognition of your support in our Program Booklet.

         Please send all items by March 1, 2025, to:​

         Caitlin Lee

         105 Garfield Ave

         Multicultural Student Services, UW-Eau Claire

         CENT 1106

         Eau Claire, WI  54701