Thai American Community hosts AAAC's annual ... - Asian Media USA
Thai American Community hosts AAAC's annual ... - Asian Media USA
Thai American Community hosts AAAC's annual ... - Asian Media USA
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
By: <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>Media</strong> <strong>USA</strong> (02/25/2012)<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
Rosemont, IL: The Lunar New Year is approaching on the Chinese calendar. Though based on the Chinese<br />
calendar, the lunar new year is also celebrated by the Vietnamese, Korean and Taiwanese and other <strong>Asian</strong><br />
communities. The <strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> community of Chicago hosted the <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> Coalition of Chicago’s<br />
29th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration in grand style, pomp and pageantry on February 25, 2012, at the<br />
Hyatt Regency O’Hare, in Rosemont, Illinois. The theme of this year's event was “It’s time”. More than 1000<br />
people attended this mega event. A variety of South <strong>Asian</strong> dances were part of this colorful celebration.<br />
1
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
<strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> Coalition of Chicago’s<br />
29th Annual<br />
Lunar New Year<br />
Celebration<br />
http://www.aacchicago.org/<br />
2
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
3
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
4
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
5
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
6
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
7
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
8
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
9
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
10
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
11
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
12
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
13
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
14
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
15
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
16
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
17
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
18
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
19
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
20
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
21
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
22
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
23
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
24
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
25
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
26
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
27
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
28
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
29
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
30
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
31
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
32
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
33
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
34
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
35
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
36
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
37
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
38
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
39
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
40
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
41
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
42
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
43
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
44
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
45
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
46
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
47
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
48
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
49
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
50
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
51
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
52
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
53
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
54
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
55
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
56
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
57
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
58
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
59
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
60
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
61
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
62
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
63
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
64
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
65
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
66
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
67
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
68
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
69
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
70
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
71
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
72
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
73
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
74
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
75
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
76
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
77
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
78
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
79
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
80
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
81
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
82
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
83
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
84
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
85
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
86
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
87
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
88
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
89
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
90
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
91
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
92
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
93
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
94
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
95
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
96
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
97
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
98
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
99
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
100
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
101
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>hosts</strong> AAAC’s <strong>annual</strong> lunar New Year celebration<br />
<strong>Asian</strong> <strong>Media</strong> <strong>USA</strong> ©<br />
Rosemont, IL: The Lunar New Year is approaching on the Chinese calendar. Though based on the Chinese<br />
calendar, the lunar new year is also celebrated by the Vietnamese, Korean and Taiwanese and other <strong>Asian</strong><br />
communities. The <strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> community of Chicago hosted the <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> Coalition of Chicago’s<br />
29th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration in grand style, pomp and pageantry on February 25, 2012, at the<br />
Hyatt Regency O’Hare, in Rosemont, Illinois. The theme of this year's event was “It’s time”. More than 1000<br />
people attended this mega event. A variety of South <strong>Asian</strong> dances were part of this colorful celebration.<br />
The <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> Coalition of Chicago (AACC), was founded in 1984 and is represented by over 16 cultures<br />
including the Bangladeshi, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean,<br />
Laotian, Malaysian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, <strong>Thai</strong> and Vietnamese communities. The <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong><br />
Festival helps to celebrate these rich heritages and diverse histories. AACC organizes and promotes equal<br />
opportunities in government, education, economic development, and international affairs in order to advance the<br />
integration of all <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong>s into the mainstream of society. Every year a different <strong>Asian</strong> community<br />
takes turn playing host to the Lunar New Year gala. This year it was the <strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong>’s turn,<br />
which has thrice before (1989, 1996 and 2004) hosted this event.<br />
Cocktail reception, silent auction and exhibits began at 5:30 p.m. During the Silent Auction <strong>Thai</strong> Flood Victims<br />
of 2011 were remembered. Cocktail Reception was accompanied by a performance on the Ranat Ek, a <strong>Thai</strong><br />
Xylophone and the Exhibition consisted of various facets. The <strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> of Chicago land was<br />
102
under the Chairmanship of Vallapa Kangsri and Co- Chairmanship of Arun Sampanthavivat. The program<br />
started with a reception and open microphone forum in the foyer, followed by dinner, cultural entertainment and<br />
awards ceremonies.<br />
Businessman, Politicians and Prominent Leaders of Chicago land who attended <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> Coalition of<br />
Chicago’s 29th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration were Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon, Secretary of<br />
State Jesse White, Treasurer Dan Rutherford, Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, Cook County State's Attorney<br />
Anita Alvarez, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Judge Pamela Leeming, Jessica O'Brien, Consulate<br />
General of Pakistan Mr. Zaheer Parvaiz Khan, Raja Krishnamorthi, Counsel Suresh Menon from Indian<br />
Consulate in Chicago, Counsel General of <strong>Thai</strong>land Narong Sasitorn, Cousel General of Phillipines Leo M.<br />
Herrera-Lim, Dr. Kantathi Suphamongkhon Minister of Foreign Affairs of <strong>Thai</strong>land, Anne Shaw, many <strong>Asian</strong><br />
diplomats, many others APA Candidates, Prem Lalvani, Nadja Lalvani, Rajinder Singh Mago <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong><br />
Coalition of Chicago Chairmen’s Board member & Board of Governors PCS Chicago, Dr. Amarjit Singh<br />
Chairman PCS Chicago, Mrs. Mohina Ahluwalia, past chairman PCS Chicago, Mr. Harinder Singh, past<br />
chairman PCS Chicago; Balwinder Singh Girn, past president PCS, Surinder Singh Sangha, vice president PCS,<br />
Mohinderjit Singh Saini & Sunny Kular Board of Governors PCS, Harpreet Singh Grewal & Vick Singh PCS<br />
board members; Amarpal Singh Matharu, past PCS treasurer, Ryan P. Singh Youth Who Excel award winner<br />
and members of the media including, TV anchors Steve Dolinsky of ABC 7, and Nancy Loo of WGN TV,<br />
Jyotikumar Chokshi editor and Suresh Bodiwala Chairman of <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>Media</strong> <strong>USA</strong>.<br />
Celebrity presenters of the evening were Steve Dolinsky and Nancy Loo. Opening Ceremony was presented in a<br />
beautiful and astonishing manner by presenting the Chair and Co- Chair under coverage of Lion and Dragon.<br />
They were escorted to the stage. Ceremonial beginning was made by performing Traditional Lion Dance,<br />
performed by Chicago Dragons Athletic Association, followed by <strong>Thai</strong> Classical Dance performed by <strong>Thai</strong><br />
Classical Dance School of <strong>Thai</strong> Buddhist Temple.<br />
Posting of colors and US National Anthem were sung by Ms. Monchaya Jetabut and <strong>Thai</strong> National Anthem was<br />
sung by Mr. Bannapradist. Opening remarks were made by Vallapa Kongsri, Event Chair. In her opening<br />
remarks, she recognized all those who helped in making this event successful and also welcomed all the<br />
dignitaries present.<br />
Introduction of Keynote Speaker was given by The Hon. Narang Sasitron, Consul General, The Royal <strong>Thai</strong><br />
Consulate General in Chicago. In his introduction, he highlighted various facets of Keynote Speaker, His<br />
Excellency Prof. Kantathi Suphamongkhon, who happens to be a Visiting Professor of Law and Diplomacy<br />
from University of California, in Los Angeles as well as Senior Fellow of the Burkle Center for International<br />
Relations at UCLA. He has worked in various organizations in various capacities.<br />
His Excellency Prof. Kantathi Suphamonkhon, The 39th Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kingdom of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
delivered his Keynote Speech on the occasion, emphasizing on the importance of <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> Coalition,<br />
and its role in the <strong>American</strong> Economy as well as the political scene. He stressed on the fact that <strong>Asian</strong><br />
community has a pivotal role to play in the US economy and lead to expansion in the business world. He<br />
pointed out the abundant scope available to <strong>Asian</strong>s living in America in fields such as Study, Employment and<br />
Business.<br />
An <strong>Asian</strong> Dinner was served, simultaneously Live Jazz Performance by Jeff Chan's Jazz Band continued.<br />
Remarks by the Global Sponsor, The Hartford was presented by Karen Wood, Asst. Vice President of Sales and<br />
Distribution. OugiZukushi, “Collection of Fans” was performed by Fujima Ryu of Chicago.<br />
AWARDS<br />
Raymond B. Lee, Owner and President of Golden Country Oriental Food Co. (since 1979) and Golden Ocean<br />
Seafood, Inc. (since 1984) has been named the 2012 Pan <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> Ping Tom Memorial Awardee.<br />
Raymond Lee built his business from a small warehouse on Wells Street in Chicago to what is now one of the<br />
largest <strong>Asian</strong>, African, Caribbean and Oriental wholesale food importers and distributors in the United States.<br />
Lee was instrumental in the formation of the <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> Alliance and served as the President of its Board<br />
for three years (1996-1999) and as Director <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> Alliance (<strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> Small Business Center)<br />
(from 1996-2002). The Alliance was an organization comprised of various <strong>Asian</strong> Chambers of Commerce<br />
(Chinese, Korean, Filipino and Vietnamese). He also served as a Chicago Park District Commissioner (1988-<br />
103
1989) and Chicago Board of Education member (1989-1990), becoming the first <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> appointed to<br />
each such position, at a time when there was little or no representation of <strong>Asian</strong> Pacific <strong>American</strong>s on such<br />
important boards in Chicago.<br />
Among numerous community and civic service affiliations, Lee is past Chairman, President, and current<br />
Secretary of the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (service in various roles, 1983-present); Managing<br />
Director, Chinatown Parking Corporation (service since 1984); Chairman of the Board, Chinese <strong>American</strong><br />
Development Corporation (since 1985); a member of the Ping Tom Memorial Park Advisory Council (since<br />
1994); and a member of the Coalition for a Better Chinese <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> (2001- present). The 2012<br />
recipient of the Coalition's Grand <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> Sandra Otaka Memorial Award, is Illinois Secretary of State<br />
Jesse White. This award is periodically presented to someone of non-<strong>Asian</strong> descent, who has made significant<br />
contributions to the <strong>Asian</strong> Pacific <strong>American</strong> community. The Coalition renamed its Grand <strong>Asian</strong> Award in 2010<br />
after the late Cook County Circuit Court Judge Sandra Otaka.<br />
The Coalition announces its 2012 <strong>Community</strong> Service Award recipients as follows:<br />
1. (Mr.) David Lee, Professor Emeritus of Optometry, Illinois College of Optometry; and Board Chairman,<br />
Chinese <strong>American</strong> Association of Greater Chicago, Chinese<br />
<strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> Awardee;<br />
2. (Mr.) Jose Renato N. (Napoli) Abella, Quality Assurance Coordinator, John Stroger County Hospital,<br />
Chicago, Illinois; Secretary, Filipino Military Alumni Association of Illinois, Filipino <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong><br />
Awardee;<br />
3. (Dr.) Vijay Khiani, M.D., Medical Director, Esophageal Program and Assistant Professor of Medicine,<br />
University of Illinois at Chicago; Founder, New Life Volunteering Society, Indian <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong><br />
Awardee;<br />
4. (Mr.) Kismet Sabbath Argopradipto, Accountant, Proficient Business Systems, Inc; Member, Executive<br />
Event Committee, Indonesian <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> of Illinois, Indonesian <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> Awardee;<br />
5. (Ms.) Sharon Harada, (Retired) Assistant Executive Director, Japanese <strong>American</strong> Service Committee;<br />
Newsletter Editor, Midwest Buddhist Temple "Bulletin", Japanese <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> Awardee;<br />
6. (Mr.) Tai Ryang Shin, Founder, Owner and President, Wagger Foods Corporation; Board Chairman, Korean<br />
<strong>American</strong> Association of Chicago, Korean <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> Awardee;<br />
7. (Mr.) Eric C. Tee, 3rd - Year Medical Student, Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine<br />
and Science, North Chicago, Illinois; Secretary, Malaysian Club of Chicago (2010-2012), Malaysian <strong>American</strong><br />
<strong>Community</strong> Awardee;<br />
8. (Mr.) Bala Ghimire, Manager, Chicago Curry House and Curry Hut (Nepalese Cuisine); President, Education<br />
Foundation of Nepali <strong>Community</strong>, Nepali <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> Awardee;<br />
9. (Mr.) Muhammad Munir Akhtar, (community title to be inserted); Founder and CEO, RNA Corporation,<br />
Pakistani <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> Awardee;<br />
10. (Mr.) Ruangsuk Chamnankict, Medical Technician, Cook County John H, Stroger Hospital; Member, The<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> Cultural Center and Fine Arts Institute of Illinois (1984- 2011), <strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> Awardee; and<br />
11. (Mr.) Michael Nghia Nguyen, Manager, AT&T; Vice President, Vietnamese Association of Illinois,<br />
Vietnamese <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> Awardee.<br />
The Coalition announces its 2012 Youth Who Excels Award recipients as follows:<br />
1. (Mr.) Kai Yang E. (Eddie) Lei, 17, Senior, Thomas Kelly High School, Chicago, Illinois, Chinese <strong>American</strong><br />
<strong>Community</strong> Awardee;<br />
2. (Mr.) Ryan P. Singh, 19, Sophomore, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, Indian <strong>American</strong><br />
<strong>Community</strong> Awardee;<br />
3. (Ms.) Ni Made Nias Yunirika Asnawa, and (Ms.) Ni Nyoman Nias Yonitika Asnawa, 18, Juniors, Parkland<br />
College, Champaign, Illinois, Indonesian <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong> Co-Awardees;<br />
4. (Mr.) John Kim, 20, Freshman, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Korean <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong><br />
Awardee;<br />
5. (Mr.) Shiva Updhyay, 17, Senior, Stephen Mather High School, Chicago, Nepali <strong>American</strong> <strong>Community</strong><br />
Awardee;<br />
6. (Mr.) Aftab Ali, 17, Junior, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, Illinois, Pakistani <strong>American</strong><br />
<strong>Community</strong> Awardee;<br />
104
7. (Ms.) Jaichana Sookhakitch, 19, Freshman, College of Lake County, Grayslake, Illinois, <strong>Thai</strong> <strong>American</strong><br />
<strong>Community</strong> Awardee; and<br />
8. (Ms.) Michelle M. Le, 14, Freshman, Stephen Mather High School, Chicago, Illinois, Vietnamese <strong>American</strong><br />
<strong>Community</strong> Awardee.<br />
An event of this grand scale is held only once a year, Lunar New Year is traditionally the single largest<br />
organized <strong>annual</strong> event in Chicago’s <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>American</strong> community. According to the 2000 Census, the <strong>Asian</strong><br />
Pacific <strong>American</strong> population in Illinois was approximately 423,603, or 8.6% of the statewide population. The<br />
Vietnamese <strong>American</strong> community of Chicago will be next year’s host of this event.<br />
Major sponsors of the event were: The Hartford as a $10,000 Global Sponsor, Wintrust Financial as a $10,000<br />
Pan <strong>Asian</strong> Sponsor and <strong>American</strong> Family Insurance and CNA as $5,000 Continental Sponsors, among others.<br />
Photographs and Press release by: <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>Media</strong> <strong>USA</strong><br />
Suresh Bodiwala<br />
Chairman<br />
<strong>Asian</strong> <strong>Media</strong> <strong>USA</strong><br />
Bus: (847) 679-8583<br />
Fax: (847) 679-5336<br />
Cell: (847)420-4789<br />
sbodiwala@sbcglobal.net<br />
www.asianmediausa.com<br />
Copyrights (c) 2011 - <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>Media</strong> <strong>USA</strong><br />
No one shall download or otherwise duplicate the graphics, images, press release and written content from the PDF without our<br />
express written permission. Likewise, no one shall reuse the aforesaid things, as the same are the intellectual property of the Company,<br />
we hereby reserve all rights<br />
Disclaimer: - <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>Media</strong> <strong>USA</strong><br />
<strong>Asian</strong> <strong>Media</strong> <strong>USA</strong> press release and News letter are event oriented and published after careful review and examination of the contents<br />
without bias or without being influenced by race, color, nationality or religious persuasion. In other words we are completely neutral<br />
according to generally accepted journalistic principles and long established conventions governing Newspaper reporting. <strong>Asian</strong> <strong>Media</strong><br />
News Letter (PDF file) goes to all email addresses such as temples, Masjids, Gurudwaras, Churches, Indian Associations /<br />
Organizations, school, colleges, Political, Sports, Entertainment groups. "The information in this e-mail and any attachments is<br />
confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee or addressees. If you are not an intended recipient,<br />
please delete the message and any attachments and notify the sender of misdelivery. Any use or disclosure of the contents of either is<br />
unauthorized and may be unlawful. All liability for viruses is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any views expressed in<br />
this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender states them, with requisite authority, to be those of the <strong>Asian</strong><br />
<strong>Media</strong> <strong>USA</strong><br />
105