WALKING THE WALK

By James Meena

Philanthropy -- “The love of man – “Caring for, nourishing, improving and enhancing the quality of life for humankind” -- “The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous support to good causes.”

Over my more than forty years working in professional opera, I have encountered many extraordinary people who have embraced this definition of philanthropy, but none more so than Drs. Ki-Hyun and Sun-Shin Chun.

Dr. Chun and Sunny immigrated to the US in the 1970s to pursue their advanced degrees and begin a new life, which they have done magnificently. Their accomplishments are numerous:

Dr. Chun was named “A Hero of Democracy” in 1997 by the Charlotte Observer and “1998 Businessman of the Year.” He received the “Opal Moretz Alumni Service Award” in 1999 from Lenoir-Rhyne University. He was re-appointed in 2003 by South Korea’s former President Roh Moo Hyun to serve as a Korean Unification Advisory Committee member. He received the Richard Vinroot International Achievement Award from the Charlotte International Cabinet in 2009 and much more.

Sun-Shin “Sunny” Chun, R.N., M.A., LL.D., graduated from the Red Cross School of Nursing in Seoul, received a B.S. in Christian Education in 1992 from East Coast Bible College, and an M.A. in Christian Education from Pfeiffer University in 1998. Sunny received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree (LL.D.) from Lenoir-Rhyne University in May 2000.

The Chuns are maximalists seeking and creating vehicles for the opportunity to serve others, and they do so selflessly. One of the most impressive examples of their “walking the walk” is the annual dinner they hold to thank American veterans of the Korean War.

I have had the privilege of attending this gathering and heard the Chuns express gratitude to the veterans and this country.

Dr. Chun and Sunny are also artists. Dr. Chun is an accomplished painter, and Sunny is an accomplished soprano. Dr. Chun’s paintings display throughout the library and the offices of the Chun Group at The Asian Library on Baxter Street. The Asian Library is their incredible initiative to gather thousands of Asian language literature, not only Korean, for the use of all.

Dr. Chun has been a significant patron of the Opera since joining the Board of Directors. When the financial crisis of 2008 threatened to overwhelm our company, Dr. Chun was the sole Board member to step forward and challenge the Board and the community to do whatever was necessary to ensure the survival of Opera Carolina.

Those who have visited the Opera office on Elizabeth Avenue note the beautiful landscaping donated by the Chuns. Often, you can find the Chuns out front of the Opera after hours, watering the flowers or planting a new shrub, reminding me of J.C. Watts’ statement that “character is doing what’s right when nobody’s looking.”

Dr. Chun and Sunny have been, and continue to be, an inspiration to our staff, our Board, and the community at large. It has been my privilege to call them my friends, as it has been Opera Carolina’s good fortune to count them as patrons.