Transforming Lives Through Legacy
Amy Wong and Calvin Chin’s journey in the U.S. began on the vibrant yet challenging streets of New York City’s Chinatown. Amy, born in Hong Kong, immigrated to the U.S. at the age of ten. Calvin, a native New Yorker, grew up amid the city’s hustle. Their paths crossed when they both returned to New York after college, to work in finance. They married and embarked on a life together, united by a shared vision of giving back to the city that shaped them.
In 1999, their connection to Robin Hood was established through a member of the Leadership Council. For Amy and Calvin, Robin Hood was more than an organization — it was a beacon of hope and transformation.
Calvin reflects, “Robin Hood is a strong organization with passionate people. We’ve been supporters since 1999, and everyone we’ve met has been incredibly welcoming and engaged.”
What particularly impressed Amy and Calvin was Robin Hood’s commitment to financial integrity. With 100% of board funds covering operating costs, every penny donated goes directly to impactful programs.
Calvin adds, “I grew up poor in New York City. Chinatown back then wasn’t the trendy neighborhood it is now — it was a ghetto, plagued by poverty, youth gangs, and isolation from the rest of the city. We identify with the people Robin Hood supports. We’ve been blessed, and we want to give back. We fell in love with Robin Hood and its mission.”
Amy and Calvin’s shared experience as products of the NYC public school system drew them to Robin Hood’s education and early childhood initiatives. They also admired the organization’s job training programs, which empower New Yorkers to achieve self-reliance, as well as its commitment to supporting communities of color, including the Asian community.
Amy notes, “It’s incredibly fulfilling to have the opportunity to make an impact in the city of our childhood. Beyond financial contributions, we both serve on boards introduced to us through Robin Hood, which supports these organizations as community partners.”
For years, Amy and Calvin have been dedicated supporters of Robin Hood, making unrestricted annual gifts. Recognizing that a planned gift through their estate would deepen their impact, they saw it as a meaningful and practical next step in their commitment.
Calvin shares, “We want to be good stewards of the talents and resources God has blessed us with. A planned gift helps sustain Robin Hood’s vital work. Fighting poverty is a complex, long-term issue with no quick fix. A planned gift is a way to help address these enduring challenges and have a broader, lasting impact on New York City.”
The couple trusts Robin Hood to be a responsible steward of their planned gift, confident in the organization’s ability to use these resources effectively for the betterment of the community.
For Amy and Calvin, nothing brings greater satisfaction than contributing to the well-being of others. They hope their story inspires others to give as well.
Amy concludes, “There are many other nonprofits serving New York City, but what drew us to Robin Hood was its track record and unique perspective on solving the challenges New Yorkers face. Robin Hood’s passionate team educates donors on how to tackle these problems. A legacy gift to Robin Hood will have a lasting impact on our fellow New Yorkers, beyond our lifetimes.”
