01/29/2012 2012 Chinese Lunar New Year Fundraising Banquet
With the Year of the Dragon comes a year filled with hope for prosperity, happiness and success! This year's Chinese New Year Fundraising Banquet marks the beginning of this hope. With almost 350 supporters who attended, generous sponsors and the help of a dedicated Board, NACA is happy to report another successful banquet with funds raised to continue NACA's mission for the next year.
This year's event was another full house with numerous community leaders in attendance including the Honorable Eva Galambos, Mayor of the City of Sandy Springs; the Honorable W. Burrell Ellis, CEO of DeKalb County; Councilman of Atlanta City Council District 2, Kwanza Hall; and Councilman of Atlanta City Council District 6, Alex Wan.
A lively lion dance performed by students from the Chien Hong School of Kung Fu began the evening. The Honorable Alvin T. Wong, State Court Judge of DeKalb County and long time NACA member served as this year's Master of Ceremonies. NACA President, Steven Gu delivered welcoming remarks to distinguished guests and NACA friends. The Honorable Mayor for the City of Atlanta, Kasim Reed, provided the evening's greeting, followed by The Honorable Deputy Consul General from the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Houston, Yunlian Xie. Mayor Reed emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the city and China and welcomed local business leaders to accompany him during his upcoming trip to China in March of this year. Deputy Consul General Xie praised NACA and its efforts in promoting a greater understanding and strengthening ties with China.
NACA is a dedicated supporter and advocate of two very special initiatives, Georgia Perimeter College's Center for International Education and its School of Nursing program and Good Shepherd Services Atlanta (GSSA). NACA Chair, Lani Wong, presented a $10,000 donation to Georgia Perimeter College (GPC) and a $5,000 donation to GSSA for their services to the underprivileged Asian American community. Members of the Board took part in the presentation with representatives from both GPC and GSSA to accept the year's donations.
This year, Appreciation Awards were given to acknowledge and thank long-time supporters of NACA and, more importantly, its mission in "bridging cultures, building leaders, and benefiting communities." Recipients of this appreciation award include The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, GE, The Home Depot, Jeffrey M. Smith, Esq. of Greenberg Traurig LLP, Troutman Sanders LLP and UPS. The Carter Center was also recognized given its strong involvement in promoting U.S.-China relations over the years.
We also thank the following NACA friends for their generous donations:
Southwest Airlines Atlanta Marriott Marquis Renaissance New Orleans Arts Hotel Aqua Bistro Atlanta Hawks Canton House Restaurant Crown Import LLC Ms. Ethel Mar General Wholesale Home Depot Huawei ING Jeffry M Smith, Esq. Ms. Maggie Mers Oriental Pearl Sea Food Restaurant Northlake Thai Cuisine