Walking Together for Hope: Cathay Bank’s Journey of Compassion and Community

Interview with Dr. Dunson K. Cheng
Executive Chairman of the Board, Cathay General Bancorp and Cathay Bank

1. Could you share a brief history of Cathay Bank’s involvement with Walk for Hope?

Cathay Bank started participating in Walk for Hope in 2007. Since then, we have raised a total of over $680,000 from 2007 to 2025. Our involvement has steadily increased, with more clients, team members, their families and friends joining us each year. We have organized internal fundraising events and encouraged donations from our broader community.

2. What inspired the initial decision to support this cause, and what continues to motivate Cathay Bank’s team members and the Cathay Bank Foundation today?

My personal connection to City of Hope began when a loved one received exceptional care during a critical stage of her illness. I vividly remember the night she was in distress, Dr. Stephen J. Forman at City of Hope came to her aid immediately and provided such compassionate care. That experience left a lasting impression on me.

City of Hope is a unique and invaluable resource in our community and is nationally recognized for its cancer care and research. It’s not just about treatment; it’s about hope and healing. We feel that it was our responsibility to support and promote the hospital’s work, especially within our community. 

Moreover, several Cathay Bank team members and their families have also been directly affected by cancer. Their strength and resilience have inspired us to continue supporting this cause. Walk for Hope allows us to honor them and raise awareness about the life-saving work that City of Hope is doing every day.

3. In what ways has your organization contributed to Walk for Hope over the years—whether through donations, volunteer efforts, or other forms of support?

Our contributions have been multifaceted:

• Fundraising: Team members organize internal fundraising events and contribute personally. Clients, family, and friends also donate generously.
• Participation: Cathay team members, along with their families and clients, actively join the Walk each year.
• Community Engagement: We promote the event through signage and outreach. Some of our clients get involved as well; for example, one vendor at a local farmers market donates produce as an incentive, and another contributes baked goods to help raise awareness. 

We strive to make this a community-wide effort, involving not just our team members but also our clients and business affiliates.

4. From your perspective, what has been the most memorable year or moment working with City of Hope?

2017. I had the honor of serving as the inaugural chairperson for the Walk for Hope Los Angeles that year. The event exceeded its $1 million fundraising goal, with Team Cathay contributing $260,000. We had 111 participants from our extended Cathay family.

On a personal level, there are several moments that stand out:

• Alice Hu, a long-time team member, participated in a walker last year, demonstrating incredible spirit and dedication.
• Another team member, who was diagnosed with cancer in her 30s, continues to join the Walk every year. Her presence is a powerful testament to the care she received.
• One of our current managers, Nancy Tarr, is a former patient of City of Hope.
• I’ve also had the privilege of connecting clients and team members to City of Hope for care, including a former employee whose mother battled breast cancer.

These stories remind us why we walk—because we’re making a real difference.

5. Is there a particular story, experience, or highlights you’d like to share with the community that reflects the impact of Cathay Bank’s support?

Yes, beyond our team members, several of our clients have received care from City of Hope. Their gratitude and recovery stories reinforce the importance of our continued support. It’s immensely satisfying to know that our efforts help bring hope and healing to the people we know and serve every day.