The Chinese American Service League (CASL) hosted its 26th annual dinner gala at the Field Museum with nearly 700 in attendance June 25. The event is the biggest fundraiser for CASL, the largest social services agency in the Midwest dedicated to serving the needs of Chinese Americans. The gala also debuted the opening of the museum’s latest exhibit, “Cyrus Tang Hall of China,” which features 350 artifacts including jades, bronzes, ceramics, burial objects and textiles.
Partygoers posed for photos in front of 13th century stone lions that marked the entry to the exhibit as well as in a photo booth that attracted Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
A silent auction highlighted items important to Chinese culture, including traditional Chinese garb, jade jewelry, Mandarin lessons and handcrafted fabric art created by CASL’s Pine Tree Senior Council artists.
Drums for the traditional lion dance — which was performed by students from CASL’s after-school program — signaled guests into dinner in Stanley Field Hall.
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Onstage, event chair Tim Maloney, Bank of America Illinois president, and Michael Tang, Field Museum Board member and CEO of National Material, “fed” the lions as a symbol for continuing good luck before beginning the program. “For over 35 years, CASL has been changing lives and supporting families every day of every week all year long,” said Maloney.
Bernarda “Bernie” Wong, CASL president and co-founder, presented Kam and Sadie Liu with the Golden Lion Award, calling them the “million dollar man and lady” after their pledge in 2004 of $1 million to help build CASL’s community center. Ten years later, with support from their extended family, matching grants and through Mr. Liu’s part-time job following retirement, they fulfilled their promise to CASL and realized their dream. “I came to Chicago as a refugee in 1963, and life was very tough. I didn’t even know how to spell ‘millionaire,’ and now I am one. Give and give and give until it makes you happy,” Mr. Liu said.
Co-emceed by ABC-7’s Judy Hsu and WGN-TV’s Nancy Loo, the gala raised more than $650,000 to continue the organization’s comprehensive support programs that provide elder care, child services and family counseling to more than 17,000 people of all ages and backgrounds.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.