Shannon Lee, a New York Times bestselling author and the daughter of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, will share her father's messages of healing and unity Thursday, March 6, at UC Merced.
The event, which is free and open to the public, also will feature Indonesian-inspired food prepared by UC Merced Dining under the guidance of a Michelin Guide chef.
The evening, which honors Women's History Month, is a collaboration between UC Merced Executive Chef Mitch Vanagten, the university's Division of Equity, Justice, & Inclusive Excellence and the Bruce Lee Foundation.
It all starts at 6 p.m. in the Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom. The first 20 guests will receive a copy of Shannon Lee's bestselling book, "Be Water, My Friend."
Lee, who started the foundation, will share insights into her life, her time in film and television, and how she continues to promote her father's legacy.
The Bruce Lee Foundation, established in 2002, is dedicated to creating programs and exhibits to educate people about Lee's life and his teachings. His philosophies embrace self-confidence and physical and mental well-being.
Programs include Camp Bruce Lee, a youth summer camp that immerses participants in daily marital arts lessons and confidence-building exercises. The foundation also has exhibits in the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle and the Chinese Historical Society Museum in San Francisco.
Attendees will enjoy a small-plate reception meal featuring dishes crafted by Chef Siska Silitonga.
The Indonesian-inspired menu will include gado-gado (mixed vegetables with peanut sauce), chicken satay and perkedel (Indonesian corn fritters). Attendees can also enjoy lemper (sticky rice with shredded chicken) and klepon (dessert mochi balls).
Silitonga is the owner and operator of ChiliCali, an Indonesian restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2021, she earned a Michelin Guide mention, one of the most prestigious honors in the culinary profession.
Silitonga is also a member of the Golden State Warriors Taste Makers Program, a food and beverage initiative that brings local restaurants to Chase Arena in San Francisco for basketball games and other events.
Vanagten celebrated the Lunar New Year with the Bruce Lee Foundation in February. Held at the Tioga Sequoia Taproom in downtown Merced, the event raised money to provide scholarships for Camp Bruce Lee.
