A group sets an ambitious goal to raise money for a Chinese pavilion in Pacific Grove.

An effort to remember and honor the Chinese immigrants who are a part of Pacific Grove’s history is gaining steam, with approximately $100,000 raised toward the construction of a pavilion, moon gate and garden in Elmarie Dyke Open Space next to the town’s historic Chautauqua Hall, to be completed by this time next year.

The group behind the fundraising efforts, the Monterey Bay Chinese Association, is determined to raise another $100,000 by Dec. 31. Organizers hope to receive a big chunk of that amount at a fundraising banquet on Nov. 9.

“We not only want to remember what happened in the past but look forward to the future,” says Rachel Ma of MBCA. Leaders successfully petitioned the P.G. City Council to build the pavilion and gate in the public park using private funds.

What happened in the past is a painful chapter in the town’s history. The Chinese who settled in P.G. in the 1850s and pioneered the area’s fishing industry faced enormous discrimination. Their fishing village burned under questionable circumstances in 1906 and they were blocked from rebuilding. In 2022, the P.G. City Council issued a formal apology for the fire and past discrimination.

The pavilion is a way to remember, Ma says, but more importantly, to look ahead. “We will build something to beautify the city,” she says.

MBCA leaders believe it’s not about dwelling on the bitterness, but building a “brighter future” for the entire community, Ma adds.

THE CHINESE PAVILION FUNDRAISING BANQUET takes place 6-9pm Saturday, Nov. 9 at Chef Lee’s Mandarin House, 2031 N. Fremont St., Monterey. $100. ruiqi.ma@att.net, montereychineseassociation.org