NAAAP Atlanta posted on November 14, 2011
On Saturday, November 5, 2011, NAAAP Atlanta and Chopstix for Charity held its annual fundraising event at the trendy Havana Club in Buckhead. With a bevy of corporate sponsors and 250 attendees, Asian American professionals from around the metro area came dressed in their cocktail finest to partake in the organization’s signature yearly fundraiser event.
As the evening kicked off around 6:30 p.m., emcees Ayesha Tejpar (CNN producer) and Chong Luo (Executive VP of the Organization of Chinese Americans) gave a warm welcome to the crowd and introduced Chairman of Chopstix for Charity, Matthew Sinon, who proceeded to thank the sponsors for the event. Platinum sponsors AirTran, AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, Cox Enterprises, and UPS were all recognized for their contribution and awarded trophies. Gold sponsors State Farm Insurance, Newell Rubbermaid, Turner Broadcasting, The Home Depot, and Havana Club were also represented through members in attendance.
The dinner buffet came in the form of various Asian cuisines, including Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese, all courtesy of Tomo restaurant and other establishments in the area. Guests helped themselves to spring rolls, chicken skewers, sushi rolls, and much more. Afterward, dessert was presented in the form of shaved ice from Suno Desserts. Guests were allotted two complimentary drink tickets that could be redeemed at any of the bars for wine, beer, and other libations.
As guests mingled, entertainment was also provided by a performance of traditional Guzheng strings and from Kollaboration Atlanta, who presented singer Shana Choi to perform cover songs by Alicia Keys and Adele. A photo wall was also set up in the corner so that guests could have their pictures taken professionally.
Towards 8 p.m., guests and corporate sponsors began heading toward the back rooms to play their hand at various gambling games at the chance to score additional tickets for the event’s raffle drawing. Each guest was given a 5,000-point voucher pass inside the program booklet to help get the games started. Blackjack, roulette, and craps tables were among the options guests had in winning raffle tickets and increasing their chances to score prizes.
As the games winded down around 9:30 p.m., guest were again directed to an adjoining room where former NAAAP Atlanta president, Fabian de Rosario, headed off an auction for prizes featuring show tickets, vacation packages, and more.
Through the event, NAAAP Atlanta and Chopstix for Charity were able to raise $37,500 from corporate sponsors. Overall, a great success made possible by the unbeatable combination of corporate sponsorship, dedicated staff, and good times!
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