Article By Keen Lee
Photo by Francis Latif
The Korean American Community Foundation celebrated its 10th year anniversary at the New York Marriott Marquis, located on 1535 Broadway in Times Square, on Thursday, November 1st at 6:30pm. At the Gala, extraordinary individuals and organizations were recognized and awarded for their accomplishments.
For the past 10 years, these individuals have served the community and changed lives in ways one can imagine. At this event, funds are also raised toward the work of the Korean and Asian American communities, and for connecting the thriving communities of New York City together. In addition, KACF has established the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund and designated a minimum of $100,000 to support nonprofit organizations that are spearheading relief efforts and/or are affected by the storm.
KACF President Tony W Lee
KACF Executive Director Kyung B. Yoon
KACF’s mission is to raise awareness of needs and issues, to promote self-sufficiency and to motivate Korean Americans to appreciate a strategic and collective culture of giving. KACF provides grants and capacity-building assistance to organizations that work to help the community. The funds raised to support not only the Korean community but all communities to empower the lives of individuals, strengthen families and transform communities. KACF accomplishes its mission by engaging in activities such as grantmaking, interacting and building a relationship with the community, and volunteering in the community.
Yongmaan (YM) Park
The CORPORATE HONOREE of 2012 KACF Gala is Yongmaan (YM) Park. Yongmaan (YM) Park is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Doosan Group, as well as the Chairman of key Doosan businesses (Doosan Infracore and Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction). Yongmaan Park has been recognized for being a hospitable leader. He is dedicated in developing a strong common corporate culture within Doosan for success in the next 100 years.
Martha Choe
Dur to the hurricane, the keynote speak Martha Choe was not able to make it to the event. However, she did give a video speech to say hi to all the attendees of KACF Gala. Martha Choe is the Chief Administrative Officer of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who initially joined the foundation as the Director of the Global Libraries initiative in the Global Development Program in 2004. Now Choe directs the foundation’s Human Resources, Security, and Global Workplace Resource operations teams. She is also responsible for operations budgets for US and global offices, and the foundation’s campus and Visitor Center in Seattle.
Assistant to the United Nations Secretary General
Another special guest Ban-ki Moon, the United Nations Secretary General, was also not able to make it to the gala but his assistant to the General helped to express his gratitude towards KACF and its services.
Juju Chang (Center) with AsianInNY Co-Founders
The 10th Anniversary was hosted by Juju Chang. Juju Chang is a former news anchor for Good Morning America, in which she had anchored the early morning newscasts World News Now and World News This Morning in 2000. She still reports regularly for Good Morning America and 20/20. Her career started at ABC News as a desk assistant and then worked her way to become a producer at World News Tonight. She covered many stories such as the U.S. Embassy bombings in Kenya, Hurricane Georges, and the anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. From 1996 to 1997, she also covered the White House, Capitol Hill and the 1996 presidential election for NewsOne. Chang has covered many significant news over the years. She had become an Emmy Award-winning correspondent for ABC News “Nightline.” Chang also hosts “Moms Get Real,” a digital show for ABC News NOW, which focuses on revealing the secret of becoming a good mother.
KACF Executive Director Kyung B. Yoon (center) with AsianInNY Co-Founders
It was truly a beautiful event and overwhelming success to raise more funds to help those who are in need. We congratulate The Korean American Community Foundation for its 10th anniversary. Happy Birthday!
For more about KACF: http://www.kacfny.org
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Sarah BJ Sung (Left), Corky Lee (right)
PJ Kim (center)
Hi,
How do we get in touch with Mr. Yongmaan (YM) Park for an interview?
Thanks for your help.