Asian American Coalition hosts 40th Lunar New Year Annual Gala Dinner

The Oldest and Largest Diversity, Prestigious organization Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC) hosted its 2023 lunar new year gala on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 5:00 pm at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 W. Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, IL. The black-tie event is the largest Asian-American event in the Midwest and marks the of the Year of the Rabbit.

The purpose of the AACC is to unite all Asian communities in a common cause. Their goal is to unite people of diverse denominations and backgrounds in an atmosphere of harmony and enhanced understanding.

Every single year a different member of the Asian community takes turns hosting the Lunar New Year Gala. This year, the gala is hosted by the Vietnamese American community. which has four times before (1989, 1997, 2005, and 2013). The annual gala, which NBC5 Chicago reporter Vi Nguyen emceed.

The event brought together arts and culture from several Asian countries.

The Asian American prominent national civic leader and speaker Daphne Kwok of Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, was the keynote speaker for 40th Annual Lunar New Year Gala. Governor of Illinois J. B. Pritzker was Guest Speaker.

More than twelve Hundred gathered for the annual Lunar New Year Celebration Gala, presented by the Asian American Coalition of Chicago.

The celebration starts at 4:00 p.m. with art exhibiting activities with Calligraphy, which goes on through the Evening until the Gala starts.

The celebration Gala includes Reception, Exhibit Booths, and Open Mic. Political Forum, Dinner Banquet, Keynote Address, Awards, and entertainment. Illinois legislative officers, Asian countries Diplomatic corps, business leaders. Every year a different Asian community takes turns playing host of Lunar New Year. The Community includes Bangladeshi, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Well known community member Doug Nguyen was the Chairman of the year.

“Today in Chicagoland we bring joyful celebration to the community, Educate and learning our spirits and civic services during this challenging time, preserve our cultural traditions and celebrate cultural diversity with faith base leaders and mainstream leaders in the Chicago area” Said, Doug Nguyen, the Chair of 40th Annual Lunar New Year Gala.

"Today, our community is excited to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit and usher in new beginnings, luck, restraint, learning and prosperity for all Asians," said Khanh Tran.

The Program Started with the American Anthem along with traditional dragon and lion dances as well as cultural performances representing several Asian countries.

Mrs. Grace Hou on received the Ping Tom award, AACC’s highest award given to an Asian American who has made a substantial impact not just in the Asian community but in the broader community

The Coalition awarded its Grand Asian American Sandra Otaka Memorial Award to NBC 5 Chicago.