Date: February 24, 2024
Venue: Royal Palace Restaurant in Troy
The Association of Chinese Americans (ACA) welcomed the Year of the Dragon with much fanfare and traditional flair at its Lunar New Year Banquet held on February 24th at the Royal Palace Restaurant in Troy, Michigan. The event, attended by 193 members and guests from diverse backgrounds, was a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and new beginnings.
The banquet commenced on a high note as Mr. Richard Mui, the newly elected President of the Association of Chinese Americans (ACA), took the stage to welcome attendees and initiate the festivities. In his brief remarks, Mr. Mui not only set the tone for the evening but also expressed gratitude and recognition to the generous sponsors whose support made the event possible.
Welcoming Remarks:
Mr. Mui’s opening remarks resonated with warmth and enthusiasm as he extended a heartfelt welcome to all attendees, expressing his joy at seeing the community come together to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Recognition of Generous Sponsors:
Acknowledging the crucial role played by sponsors in making the event a success, Mr. Mui took a moment to express sincere appreciation to each sponsor:
- Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS): Mr. Mui recognized ACCESS for their ongoing support and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural partnerships in promoting community engagement and mutual understanding.
- Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Studies (CHDIS) at Eastern Michigan University: Mr. Mui expressed gratitude to CHDIS at Eastern Michigan University for their commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity within diverse communities.
- Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC): Mr. Mui recognized MAPAAC for their advocacy and support of Asian Pacific American communities in Michigan, highlighting their efforts to empower and uplift individuals through education and advocacy.
- Page Toyota and Page Honda Bloomfield: Mr. Mui extended special thanks to Page Toyota and Page Honda Bloomfield for their generous sponsorship, which played a vital role in ensuring the success of the ACA Lunar New Year Banquet.
Gourmet Delights:
Guests were treated to a sumptuous feast of 10-course traditional Chinese delicacies, expertly prepared by the talented chefs at Royal Palace Restaurant. From savory Salt and Pepper Spare Ribs to succulent Lobsters, each dish was a culinary masterpiece, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of China. Attendees savored every bite, reveling in the flavors and aromas of authentic Chinese cuisine.
Community Spirit:
The Lunar New Year Banquet provided an opportunity for members of the ACA community to come together, strengthen bonds, and celebrate shared traditions. Amidst laughter and lively conversations, old friendships were renewed and new connections forged. Guests exchanged heartfelt greetings and good wishes for the coming year, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity. The gathering was graced by esteemed government and legislative officials. The presence of these dignitaries added a significant dimension to the event, underlining the importance of cultural diversity and community engagement.
Among the notable guests were:
- Regional Coordinator (Senator Gary Peters Office), Mr. Yosif Hachem: Representing Senator Peters, the Regional Coordinator underscored the senator’s commitment to supporting cultural initiatives and promoting inclusivity across Michigan.
- US Congresswoman – Ms. Haley Stevens: Congresswoman Stevens honored the occasion with her presence and delivered insightful remarks, highlighting the significance of cultural celebrations in fostering unity and understanding within diverse communities.
- Michigan State Senator – Ms. Stephanie Chang: Senator Chang graced the event with her presence and shared her perspectives on the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage as a means of fostering social cohesion and mutual respect.
- Michigan State Rep. – Ms. Sharon MacDonell：Representative MacDonell’s attendanceand remarks underscored her dedication to engaging with and supporting the diverse communities within her constituency.
- Mr. Hassan Sheikh(Wayne County Executive Mr. Warren Evans Office)
- Oakland County Treasurer – Mr. Robert Wittenberg
- Oakland County Commissioner – Ms. Ann Erickson Gault
- Detroit City Council Member – Ms.Gabriela Santiago-Romero
- Troy City Council Member – Mr. Hirak Chande
- Canton Township Trustee – Ms. Tania Ganguly
Cultural Significance:
Throughout the evening, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of Lunar New Year customs and traditions. From the fun games led by ACA Board Member Ms. Ling Wen and ACA’s newly elected Vice President Ms. Ellen Zhu to the symbolism of auspicious decorations, each aspect of the celebration was explained, enriching attendees’ understanding of Chinese culture and heritage. Adding a touch of elegance and cultural fusion to the ACA Lunar New Year Banquet, ACA Board Member Ms. Jie Wang and her husband, Dr. Jingsheng Zhang, delighted guests with two enchanting duet performances. Their musical talents captivated the audience, showcasing the beauty of both Chinese traditional melodies and Western operatic classics.
As the evening drew to a close, attendees expressed their gratitude to the ACA organizers for hosting such a memorable event. With hearts full of joy and anticipation, they looked forward to the opportunities and blessings that the Year of the Dragon would bring. The Lunar New Year Banquet served not only as a festive occasion but also as a reminder of the importance of community, cultural preservation, and collective celebration.
The ACA Lunar New Year Banquet at the Royal Palace Restaurant was indeed a night to remember, uniting individuals from all walks of life in a shared celebration of hope, prosperity, and cultural pride. As the echoes of laughter and music filled the air, it was evident that the spirit of the Lunar New Year would continue to inspire and uplift the ACA community in the days and months ahead.
