Asian American Coalition of Chicago celebrated Outstanding 35th Lunar New Year in Chicago with with traditional passion and zeal
The Chinese New Year, also called and commonly known as the Lunar New Year. It isn't just celebrated in China and around other countries its celebrate all over the world, including mostly cities in United States. Chicago is always celebrated with traditional passion and zeal. several Tremendous celebrations were seen in Chicagoland area. The most prominent of all celebrations was the Asian American Coalition of Chicago, 35th Annual Lunar Year Celebration Gala Hosted by the Korean American Association of Chicago, with a theme "Be United Stay Together," on Saturday February 24, 2018, 5 PM - 10 PM, in Grand Ballroom, at Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, IL 60018. This year was called the Year of the Dog and was emceed by Ms. Marisa Buchheit, Billy Dec and Mia Park.
The celebration Gala includes Reception, Exhibit Booths, 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 turn playing host of Lunar New Year. This year it is the Chicago Korean Communities. Nine communities (Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Pakistani, Thai and Vietnamese American) take turns hosting the Asian Lunar New Year Celebration on a rotating basis. Nearly 1200 people gathered at the Hyatt Regency. Ital Seo was served as the year's chairman. Ms. Hee Jung Chun Performed the American National Anthem. A moment of silence was held for Fallen Heroes for the Country.
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, US Senator Tammy Duckworth (by Video), US Congresswoman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Secretary of State Jesse White were amongst many Federal, State and local government officials. The Asian American candidates running for office in the upcoming primaries were also highlighted.
Brat Moy received Ping Tom Memorial Award. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke received Sandra Otaka Memorial award. Ann Jihn received an Outstanding Asian American Award. lieutenant governor of Illinois Evelyn Sanguinetti received an Outstanding Asian American Award.
Recipients of Exemplary Community Service Awards were: Naomi Negi Tran, Anthony Sou, Mabel Lee Moy, Lourdes Carbo Livas, Mohan Karamchandani, Isns Mulyani, Moses Myung, Sue Christensen, Khizran Naveed, Tippy Lee and Dr. Phong Dang.
Recipients of the Youth Who Excels Awards were: Eriko Darcy.Vanida Lim, Yik Yu Lau, Breana Tereese Flores, Simran Kaur Bhalla, Michelle Setiaoetama, Joseph Kim, Madeleine Dulcie Chew, Rana Irfan Zaid, Rena Marompon and Grace Nguyen.
The event was covered by many of the mainstream and ethnic media, including many Chicagoland television networks.