In 1956, Norma Mangindin Gavin, a Medical Technologist came to the United States under the Exchange-Visitors Program. She loved the kind and friendly people of the Spokane community, so she decided to introduce the idea to fellow Filipino friends to form a group that would extend friendship, charitable information and a goal of preserving Philippine heritage through humanitarian, educational and cultural activities and events. The idea came about after Expo ‘74 when the late Msg. O’Conner and Filipino Sisters of Providence encouraged Norma to start an organization.

In August 28, 1986, an article was published in regards to forming an organization for the Filipino community in the Spokane Chronicle, Spokane, Washington. She also introduced the idea to Fred Jimenez, Tommy & Margaret Rosario, Ray Atabelo, Antonio Cabading Jr., Mariano & Ann Vivit and Domingo & Anastacia Soriano, to name a few pioneer Filipino families in Spokane.

The first meeting was held at the basement of Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in early part of 1987 with 28 attendees. Lily May Bayley, acting Secretary took the minutes of the meeting. Meetings thereafter, that the organization be named “Filipino American Association of the Inland Empire.”

June 12, 1987 Filipino American Association of the Inland Empire (FAAIE) was registered, certified and incorporated as a non-profit organization by the Secretary of States, Washington State. Registered Agent – Norma Gavin; Officers ; President Jose Eballar, Vice President – Matt Buan, Secretary Lily May Bayley, Treasurer – Irene Schatz; Board of Trustees- Jimmy Coballes, Lanie Frey, Norma Gavin, Stan Mundrel and Sonia Shepard. Approximately there were 40 to 50 Filipino family members first few years.

February 17, 1999 The Articles of Incorporation of the Filipino American Association of the Inland Empire was re-incorporated, amended and was granted tax-exempted status from federal income tax under section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Board of Trustees; Richard Martin, Eva Harper, Marilou Buan, Jesus Gadingan, Minerva Arrienda, Emma Minks and Purie Baum.

March 1, 2005 the organization was administratively dissolved due to failure to become registered. It was reinstated February 2, 2006. Registered Agent- Norma Gavin; Officers; President- Manuel Carreon, Vice-president- Brian Kamp, Secretary- Joyce Cabildo, Treasurer – Allan Esguerra; Board of Trustees was changed to Board of Directors – namely, Alexander Bambao, Emily Bozzi Lolita Comstock, Mel Corecino, Glocil Doughty, Gina Fortney, Jesus Gadingan, Corazon Holder, and Emma Minks.

February 28, 2007 the organization was granted tax exempt status for the Federal Income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Effective date of exemption February 2, 2006.

To date, the organization is involved in various charitable, cultural, and educational events through community and activities. Recognition and appreciation are given to individuals who have served, as Officers, Board of Directors and members whose dedication, commitment and support to the organization, may we continue to share and maintain our support to all the Filipino American families, Our cultural heritage, and manage the affairs of the organization in accordance with the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation.