For Immediate Release    
Contact: Inggrid Yonata
inggrid_yonata@naaapchicago.org

June 10, 2009

NAAAP Chicago’s 1st Annual Red Orchid Gala A Major Success
Sets Higher Expectation for Next Year’s Fundraising Gala

CHICAGO – NAAAP Chicago successfully hosted the first Red Orchid Gala fundraising event on Saturday, May 30, 2009, by incorporating a Karaoke contest, silent auction and mock-casino-style gambling tables—thereby, setting a higher goal and expectation for the 2nd Red Orchid Gala in 2010.

The atmosphere and scene at the Windy City Fieldhouse, the location selected to host the1st Annual Red Orchid Gala, was unlike any other.  Music filled the air and people were having a good time, networking while sipping on wine and trying their luck in games like blackjack, poker, craps and roulette. A board member of NAAAP Chicago even took to the stage and did a little Karaoke for fun. David Lum, a Director at Motorola Inc., said, “The casino-style gambling was fun, the Karaoke was great, and the food was also very good.”

Sara Lee Foundation and Northrop Grumman sponsored this year’s Red Orchid Gala, in which around 60 professionals from the Chicago area attended. Don Sakamoto, Managing Associate for New England Financial who was at the Red Orchid Gala said, it was a “great group of people [who were] very fun and open.” 

That night, NAAAP Chicago raised $7,000 to fund student scholarships and leadership training programs.  More than 10% of the proceeds resulted from the silent auction. While the event was a great success, David Lum said, “People should be aware of how hard it is for many non-profit Asian community service organizations [to overcome the] difficulty in getting funding for their efforts.” Lum agreed that the Red Orchid Gala has a “great potential.” That’s why he said, “This Gala is to be the event that helps to drive greater community awareness and contribution towards the Asian community.”

About NAAAP Chicago
NAAAP Chicago is a non-profit 501(c)(3), all-volunteer leadership organization serving the metro and suburban Chicago area, founded in 1987. Our membership includes a diverse group of leaders and working professionals from an age range of 21 to 65 with various levels of education and professional backgrounds: Corporate, Small business, Non Profit, Academic, and Government.

Founded in 1982 in New York City, NAAAP has evolved to become the premiere leader in Asian American Professional organizations in North America with an audience of over 3,000 across the continental U.S. and Canada.
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