For Immediate Release
June 2, 2022
Contact:
Kevin Hsia, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago
224-289-5486, khsia@advancingjustice-chicago.org
CHICAGO, IL — June 2, 2022 — Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago celebrated 30 years of building a powerful Asian American voice for racial equity on May 5, 2022 at Morgan’s On Fulton. The fundraiser welcomed business, civic, philanthropic, elected officials, and community leaders from the Chicagoland area. The evening kicked off at The Aviary for a VIP happy hour and was followed by the program at Morgan’s On Fulton that celebrated the wins from 30 years of the organization’s existence and honored the leaders that laid the foundation before us. Thanks to our sponsors and donors, we raised nearly $184,000!
The entirety of the program was supported by Pan-Asian local talent and entertainment, who kept spirits high throughout. Beginning with an electric performance by MOD Project, a Desi-Fusion dance crew, the program continued with opening statements from our Executive Director, Grace Pai. Awards were presented to our honorees – Community Award to A Just Chi core leader Miwa Shimokogawa, Champion Awards to Representative Gong-Gershowitz and Senator Villivalam for their impact on the TEAACH Act, and the Milestone Award to long time board member Michael Chu for his continued leadership at Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago and in the Asian American community.
Guests participated in a paddle raise and silent auction with diverse items donated from local businesses, restaurants, sports, arts and culture. The evening continued on the dance floor with sounds set by Dr. Srimix, and Dholi Dhruv of HollyBolly Unlimited, a percussionist specializing in the dhol and tabla. Thanks to our Champion Sponsors McDermott Will & Emery and Tyson for their critical support, in addition to our Partner, Support Sponsors, and anonymous matching gift donor. Please visit here for our full list of sponsors.
As we are continuing to celebrate the work over the past 30 years and invest in our future of expanding our grassroots leadership development, language justice, and help build the capacity of Asian American power organizations in other Midwest states, we can help other states pass legislation like the TEAACH Act or expand language access at the ballot box. To support our mission and work, donate today by visiting https://www.advancingjustice-chicago.org/donate30. Please check out photos on our Facebook: Event Photography and Photobooth.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago Staff (L-R); Kevin Hsia, Justin Sia, Bryan Hara, Grace Pai, Sangini Brahmbhatt, Chris Aldana, George Chen, Sylvia Tamashiro, Junee Yang, Seong-Ah Cho, Jennifer Brown, Andrea Chu
Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago Executive Director Grace Pai and former Executive Director Andy Kang give remarks at The Aviary
Dholi Dhruv of HollyBolly Unlimited lead attendees in the last dance!
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Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago builds power through collective advocacy and organizing to achieve racial equity. Learn more at www.advancingjustice-chicago.org.