The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) celebrated the successful first year of its Orange County venture with its Inaugural Awards Gala on the evening of Friday, October 16, 2009 from 6:30pm to 10pm at the Fullerton Marriott Hotel in Fullerton, California. This event recognized leaders that have made a difference in the Asian American community in Orange County. All proceeds from the Awards Gala benefit youth outreach and leadership programs.
Masters of Ceremony
Panney Wei
KCAA 1050 AM radio host
www.panneywei.com
Ming Lo
Actor/Investor
www.minglo.com
Honorees
Corporate Leadership Award
Southern California Edison
Community Leadership Award
Judge John Nguyen - Trial judge, past California Deputy Attorney General
Non-Profit Leadership Award
Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC)
Innovative Leadership Award
Arnel Calvario - Founder/Choreographer of Kaba Modern, CultureShock LA
Please see the 2009 Honorees page for Honoree bios.
Entertainment
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Kaba Modern Legacy - America’s Best Dance Crew, Bravo’s Step Up and Dance
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Clara Chung - JCPenney Schooled in Style Breakout Performer, International Secret Agents Show LA 2009
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Ashley Robles - promotional tour in UK with artists Michelle Branch, Wyclef Jean, Ja Rule, Ashanti, and Natalie Imbruglia
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Lac Hong - Vietnamese Folkdance, Ballet, Singing, and Hiphop.
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...and MORE!
Cocktail Reception
The awards gala featured an exclusive miracle berry flavor tasting during the cocktail reception starting at 7pm. Flavor tasting parties with the rare and exotic miracle berry have been the craze in New York, Houston, and San Francisco and made its debut in Southern California at the NAAAP-OC Awards Gala. This exclusive experience (a $30 value) was included in the gala ticket price, and was limited to the first 100 attendees.
| Event Schedule |
| Registration |
6:30 - 7:00pm |
| Reception |
7:00 - 8:00pm |
| Dinner and Program |
8:00 - 10:00pm |
Early Registration (Until Sept. 18 Midnight): Members $45, Non-Members $55
Regular (Sept. 19 - Oct. 12 Midnight): $55 Member, Non-Members $65
Attire: Formal (Black-tie optional)
Gala Commitee Leads:
Carrie Gan - Carrie@naaapoc.org
Cheryl Villaruz - Cheryl@naaapoc.org