Unforgettable celebration of the 37th Lunar New Year held in Chicago by Asian American Coalition of Chicago
The Asian American Community Chicago celebrates Lunar New Year in 2020 spectacle is the lion dances, where mostly Attendees dress with a red and colorful costume. This is the Year of the Rat according to the in Chinese culture, rats are a sign of wealth and surplus also Denotes and Signifies bright, sociable, ambitious and passionate.
More than twelve Hundred gathered for the annual Lunar New Year Celebration Gala, presented by the Asian American Coalition of Chicago. This year 37th Annual Lunar Year Celebration Gala Hosted by the Indian American Community of Chicago, with a theme "Advocate. Advance. Achieve." Celebration was held on Saturday, February 08, 2020, 5 PM -- 10 PM, in the Grand Ballroom, at Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, IL 60018.
Many attendees exchanged red envelopes. It is the symbol of energy, happiness and good luck in Chinese tradition.
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 turn playing host of Lunar New Year. The Community includes Bangladeshi, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Thai and Vietnam. Well known community member Rajinder Bir Singh Mago was the Chairman of the year.
The Gala was emceed by Ravi Baichwal, Katie Kim, Cate Cauguiran and Marc Rita.
The Founder and president of Wakaru Communications and senior fellow Chicago Council on Global Affairs Ms. Cécile Shea was the keynote speaker. Secretary of State Jesse White were amongst many Federal, State and local government officials also address in the event. The Asian American Elected Officials and candidates running for office in the upcoming Election were also highlighted.
After the opening ceremony and traditional Chinese games, there were performances of traditional Chinese and Indian dances and songs.
The Coalition award its Grand Asian American Sandra Otaka Memorial Award to State Representative Michelle Mussman
Recipients of Exemplary Community Service Awards were Jeongling Liu, Winnalynn Nacu Kantaris, Syed Hussaini, Afnan, Yoshiko Urayama, Kathryn Lee, Amy Looi, Maham Khan and Vy Pham.
Recipients of the Youth Who Excels Awards were Kyle Shrader, Angelo Luis Bañes Battung, Guru Dhaliwal, Teresa Mutiara Folkers, Samir Ozaki, Yuri Park, Lalida Khunakridatikarn, Christine Le.
The event was covered by many of the mainstream and ethnic media, including many Chicagoland television networks.