CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael Chamber of Commerce has named Lina Fat – a powerhouse member of Sacramento’s famous Fat family of restauranteurs – as Carmichael Person of the Year. A recent awards dinner saw Fat, three more business people, a community volunteer and a local non-profit honored.

More than 200 Chamber supporters attended the fundraiser at Arden Hills Resort. Program emcee was 2017 honoree, Good Day Sacramento anchor Tina Macuha.

Cheered by a contingent of relatives, Lina Fat was recognized for professional and philanthropic vision. Born in Honk Kong, she worked as a pharmacist in Sacramento before joining her husband's family business. The mother of three earned culinary laurels while training with top international chefs and was later a pioneer in Asian-fusion cuisine. Now 79, she is vice-president of Fat City Inc. A proponent of performing arts, Fat launched the Sacramento World Music and Dance Festival in 2007. This colorful annual pageant showcases diversity in the Sacramento region through music and dance. Celebrating her own culture, the awardee wore a gown embroidered with koi carp – an auspicious Chinese symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

The award dinner also recognized Shawna Rivera as Businesswoman of the Year. A hairdresser-turned-baker, Rivera established a coffee shop for coiffeur clients more than 20 years ago. Much enlarged and in new quarters, the Lido Café is now among Carmichael’s most popular eating spots.

Japanese-born chef Taro Ara Arai sported pink hair, rhinestone-encrusted shoes and gave thanks to God for his phenomenal American success. Arriving in USA as a teenager who barely spoke English, the flamboyant “sushiologist” dreamed big. He now owns Mikuni’s Group, a multi-restaurant operation that annually feeds millions of California sushi lovers.

Aged, 33, Carmichael-raised Comerica Bank executive Dan Kellow was named Young Professional of the Year. Barbara Safford was cheered for years of volunteer service to the Chamber and many other non-profits.

Among silent auction items offered at the fundraiser, a painting of Old Sacramento by Carmichael artist David Peterson fell for $800. Donated by the Fat family, a lavish dinner for 10 won a $2,000 bid. A sushi-making class with Mukuni’s chefs garnered $1,000 and a group breakfast at Good Day Sacramento with Tina Macuha raised $500.

The Sacramento District Dental Foundation – whose projects benefit children and families who are unable to afford dental care – is 2018 Non-Profit of the Year and shared part of the evening’s proceeds.

Event sponsors included: Dignity Health, SMUD, Post Modern Marketing, Sacramento District Dental Society, Safe Credit Union, the American River Natural History Association and the Carmichael Times.