[October 25, 2024, Detroit-MI] The ACA’s 52nd Annual Fundraising Gala, themed “Together Today for a Brighter Tomorrow,” was a resounding success, bringing together over 250 leaders, community members, and supporters who share a commitment to uplifting the Asian Pacific American (APA) community. Held on October 20, 2024 at the Italian American Banquet Center in Livonia, the evening was marked by a sense of unity and progress, embodied in an inspiring keynote address by Ms. Poppy Hernandez, Director of Global Michigan. Hernandez spoke on “Stacking the Wins That Count,” encouraging the community to recognize and celebrate even the small wins that often go unnoticed. Her message underscored the importance of these incremental successes, reminding attendees that each step forward strengthens the community and drives collective progress.
A highlight of the evening was the array of captivating performances that showcased the richness of Asian culture and heritage. Guests enjoyed the dynamic display from the Michigan Lion Dance Team, whose performance energized the audience, symbolizing strength and good fortune. The evening’s formal opening included a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Robin Tsai, setting a dignified tone for the gala. Angela Xu’s mesmerizing performance of “Horse-Racing” on the Er-Hu served as the closing act, captivating attendees with her skillful and evocative rendition. Her performance illustrated the vibrancy of Chinese musical tradition and left the audience with a sense of cultural pride and inspiration, making it a night to remember.
The gala would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions underscored the shared mission of empowering the APA community. Our Tier One sponsors included Comerica Bank, DTE, Center for Health Disparities Innovations and Studies (CHDIS) at Eastern Michigan University, MAPAAC, MGM Grand Detroit, and Page Toyota and Page Honda Bloomfield, who have been steadfast supporters of ACA’s mission. Tier Two sponsors, Comcast and Hannan Center, also played a crucial role in supporting our work. Finally, we extend our gratitude to our Tier Three sponsor, Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), for its invaluable contributions. Together, these sponsors made it possible for ACA to continue delivering impactful programs, and we are deeply grateful for their support in helping us build a brighter, more inclusive future for Michigan’s APA community.