Text Box: 2007 WWAAC GALA The Who’s Who in Asian American Communities Gala makes a huge splash at the Georgia Aquarium! Press Release Even the Beluga whales couldn’t steal the spotlight from the honorees at the second annual Who’s Who in Asian American Communities Awards Ceremony and Gala, held July 21st at the Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom. Notables from Atlanta and throughout the Southeast, including Consul General of Japan Shoji Ogawa, R.C. Wu Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta, Dr. John Endicott -Honorary Consul of Mongolia, Charles Steele - President and CEO of the SCLC, DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones, Craig Lesser of McKenna Long & Aldridge, and numerous executives from top sponsors - Verizon Wireless, Delta Air Lines, UPS and Jackson EMC, gathered to honor the success and achievements of 38 outstanding Asian Americans and their contributions to the community. The ceremony commenced with a welcome by Sachi Koto, WWAAC committee chair, and a Presentation of Colors by Riverside Military Academy. Soon after, when dynamic singer Kimble Williams serenaded the crowd with the National Anthem, a spirit of nationalism permeated the room. A WWAAC signature video presentation, “Triumph Amidst Tribulation: The Story of Asian Americans in the Southeast,” gave an inspirational look at the Asian community and their steadfast quest for success in the United States. But, a special treat of the evening was gifted pianist and songwriter Lisa Furukawa, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Georgia on my Mind.” The melody rang familiar, but she sang the lyrics in Japanese, which gave the Southern classic renewed appeal. Rudy Pamintuan, chairman of the U.S. Asia Center and former chairman of President George Bush’s Advisory Commission on Asian American Pacific Islanders, delivered an eloquent keynote address on Asian significance and accomplishments. He also praised the purpose of the WWACC Gala for recognizing overlooked contributions of Asian Americans throughout the Southeast. After the keynote address, the WWAAC honorees were individually recognized for their immeasurable contributions to the Asian American community. The 33-WWAAC honorees represented a variety of professions and companies across the Southeast including Alston & Bird, MARTA, Centers for Disease Control and Church’s Chicken. In addition, the “Rising Influential Award” was bestowed to five up-and-coming individuals considered outstanding in their various fields of expertise and community service. Michelle Henson Text Box: 2007 WWAAC Gala Sponsors

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Premiere Sponsor

Verizon Wireless

 

WWAAC Title Sponsor & Exclusive Airline for WWAAC

Delta Airlines 

 

Gold Sponsor & Aquarium Tour Sponsor

UPS

 

Silver Level Sponsor

Jackson EMC

 

Bronze Level Sponsor

Church’s Chicken

Daimler Chrysler

Darden Restaurants

Home Depot

Sodexho

State Farm

Wal-Mart

 

Advertising Sponsors

Alabama Power

Nationwide

Monastary

JapanFest

TOTO

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport

 

Table Gift Sponsor

Lindt & Sprüngli

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