The 17th Annual Fundraising Gala
Date: June 11th, 2022 Time: 5:30 - 9:00 PM
Location: River's Edge
(200 Rivers Edge Dr., Medford, MA 02155)
The Chinese Culture Connection is excited to announce the return of its in-person Fundraising and Awards Gala, the evening of June 11 at River’s Edge. Please save the date! We look forward to welcoming back regulars and first-time guests to an enjoyable evening where East meets West. As always, the gala will feature entertainment, informative presentations, live and silent auctions, and good food and drink in a convivial atmosphere. Tickets are $88 for members, $100 for non-members, $50 for students and children under 16, and a party of 10 can be had for $800. Thank you for supporting the Chinese Culture Connection!
Meet our honorees
Community Services Award-Chien-Chi Huang
Chien-Chi Huang is the founder of Asian Breast Cancer Project and is presently the Executive Director of Asian Women for Health. A skilled and passionate community advocate, Chien-Chi was the Asian Community Program Manager at the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling from 2006 to 2011 and she spearheaded several new health initiatives addressing the unique issues and challenges facing the Asian American community. These initiatives included Asian American Problem Gambling Outreach efforts, Asian American Women’s Mental Health Symposium, Asian American Mental Health Forum, and Immigrants and Refugees Mental Health Network.
Diversity and Inclusion Award-Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE)
This year’s Diversity and Inclusion Award goes to Jean Appolon of Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) for creating hope and healing through Haitian Folkloric dance. JAE is committed to building strong, caring, and diverse communities through dance.
Outstanding Arts and Culture Award-Chu Ling
Having flourished in the dance world for 40 years, Chu Ling is an internationally recognized award-winning artist. Ms. Chu graduated from Beijing Dance academy major of Choreography. Starting off her career in China and Japan, Ms. Chu relocated to the United States in 1996, where two years later she founded the Chu Ling Dance Academy, which quickly became established as a vibrant arts space. Ms. Chu puts personal development at the core of her teachings, and this has been utilized by the Boston Ballet School, Curry College, Lesley University, Wellesley College and Harvard University, where she has taught regularly.
Edward F. O'Connell Inspirational Service Award-Kathleen Sullivan
the Edward F. O’Connell, Immediate Past President Inspirational Service Award goes to Ms. Kathleen Sullivan for her unflagging support the Chinese Culture Connection’s Youth Leadership and Mentoring program.
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Kathleen has been a teacher in Malden for the past 21 years and a Grade 5 science teacher at the Salemwood School for the past 15 years. Not only was Kathleen raised in Malden, brought-up her two daughters, Alycia and Erin, but she continues to reside here today with her husband, Bob. They are expecting their first grandchild in July.
Kathleen has proudly advocated for her students and her community over the years believing that everyone should have a voice in the preservation of green spaces and open access to decision making and quality of life issues.
