Students had an opportunity to get to know one another during the evening's VIP reception, held prior to the program. Pictured left to right are: Carolyne Kama (Scholar), Nishant Batsha (Scholar) and Nhu-Y Ngo (Scholar).
Photo by Jason Green

APIASF's third annual gala welcomed an array of community members and corporate representatives. Pictured from left to right are: Vice Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr. and Blaine Hirai (Member, APIASF Board of Directors).
Photo by Jason Green

The VIP reception offered some guests a chance to mingle in a more intimate setting. Pictured from left to right are: Brad Davis, Candice Barnhardt, Orr Rivero (Member, APIASF Board of Directors) and Brian Bonnett.
Photo by Jason Green

Pausing for a photo during the VIP reception are left to right: Michael Slocum, J. Alexander M. (Sandy) Douglas, Jr., and Wai-Ling Eng (Chair, APIASF Board of Directors).
Photo by Jason Green

Pictured from left to right: William "Mo" Marumoto (Member, APIASF Board of Directors) and Senator Steve Hobbs of Washington State.
Photo by Jason Green

An enticing array of items were generously donated to the evening's silent auction by many of the gala's sponsors.
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Guests were invited to bid on unique items at the silent auction. Pictured from left to right are: Dave Hamilton (Member, APIASF Board of Directors) and Michael Fung (Treasuer, APIASF Board of Directors).
Photo by Jason Green

Pausing for a photo during the silent auction are from left to right: Mandeep Dhaliwal, Leven Weiss, Reginal Hubbard, Thomasine Ward and Cecil Ward.
Photo by Jason Green

During the silent auction, guests enjoyed patriotic music from the United States Navy Band Northeast. Pictured from left to right are Vivian Cosey-Glover, Dierdre Dickerson and Wai-Ling Eng (Chair, APIASF Board of Directors).
Photo by Jason Green

Pictured from left to right: Brian Comer, Tariq Khan (Chair, APIASF Gala Committee) and Wayne Finnegan.
Photo by Jason Green

Scholars spoke to guests about their current accomplishments and future goals. Pictured with a guest from left to right are Jenny Sen (Scholar) and Jing Xiao (Scholar).
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Karen Narasaki and Larry Uno were among the guests present.
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Board members celebrated the APIASF's third annual gala. Pictured from left to right are: Michael Fung (Treasurer, APIASF Board of Directors), T. Kamuela Chun (Member, APIASF Board of Directors), Jacinta Titalii Abbott (Vice Chair, APIASF Board of Directors), Doreen Woo Ho (Member, APIASF Board of Directors), and Annie Cheung (Member, APIASF Board of Directors).
Photo by Jason Green

American Idol fans gathered around their favorite contestant and the gala's special guest, Sanjaya Malakar.
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The Grand Ballroom of the Hilton New York was an elegant backdrop for APIASF to recognize its scholars and honorees.
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APIASF Advisory Council member and former CNN anchor Sachi Koto was the gala's Mistress of Ceremonies.
Photo by Jason Green

The State University of New York Navy ROTC Color Guard presented the colors to begin the evening's program.
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2006 APIASF Scholar Joanna Tenta, sang the National Anthem.
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Guests rose to applause and the evening's program began.
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Wai Ling Eng, Chair of APIASF's Board of Directors, delivered the evening's opening remarks.
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Tariq Khan, Chair of APIASF's Gala Committee, thanked the many guests and sponsors for their support of APIASF's scholars.
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Members of the audience listened closely as APIASF's student speakers were welcomed to the podium.
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2006 APIASF Scholar Nishant Batsha spoke of his personal struggles and APIASF's role in paving the way for his bright future.
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2008 APIASF Scholar Annie He detailed how a scholarship from APIASF eased the financial burden on her parents. She also spoke about her plans to give back to the APIA community.
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Carl Dalstrom, CEO of USA Funds, presented the "Inspiring Dreams" award to Bill Imada, Chairman and CEO of IW Group, Inc. Pictured from left to right are: Sachi Koto (Mistress of Ceremonies and Member, APIASF Advisory Council), Tariq Khan (Chair, APIASF Gala Committee), Bill Imada (Chairman and CEO, IW Group, Inc.), Carl Dalstrom (CEO, USA Funds), and Wai-Ling Eng (Chair, APIASF Board of Directors).
Photo by Jason Green

Mark Thresher, President and COO, Nationwide Financial, presented the "Excellence in Education" award to J. Alexander M. (Sandy) Douglas, Jr., President of Coca-Cola North America. Pictured from left to right are: Sachi Koto (Mistress of Ceremonies and Member, APIASF Advisory Council), Tariq Khan (Chair, APIASF Gala Committee), J. Alexander M. (Sandy) Douglas, Jr. (Honoree), Mark Thresher (President and COO, Nationwide Financial), and Wai-Ling Eng (Chair, APIASF Board of Directors).
Photo by Jason Green

Kathy Murphy, CEO of ING Wealth Management, presented the "Excellence in Education" award to Don Thompson, President of McDonald's USA. Pictured from left to right are: Sachi Koto (Mistress of Ceremonies and Member, APIASF Advisory Council), Tariq Khan (Chair, APIASF Gala Committee), Don Thompson (President, McDonald's USA), Kathy Murphy (CEO, ING Wealth Management), and Wai-Ling Eng (Chair, APIASF Board of Directors).
Photo by Jason Green

APIASF's President and Executive Director, Neil Horikoshi, congratulates honorees. Pictured from left to right are: Neil Horikoshi (President and Executive Director, APIASF), Wai-Ling Eng (Chair, APIASF Board of Directors), J. Alexander M. (Sandy) Douglas, Jr. (President, Coca-Cola North America), Don Thompson (President, McDonald's USA), Bill Imada (Chairman and CEO, IW Group, Inc.), and Tariq Khan (Chair, APIASF Gala Committee).
Photo by Jason Green

The evening's honorees, from left to right are: J. Alexander M. (Sandy) Douglas, Jr. (President, Coca-Cola North America), Don Thompson (President, McDonald's USA), and Bill Imada (Chairman and CEO, IW Group, Inc.).
Photo by Jason Green

One of American Idol's most well-known contestants, Sanjaya Malakar, provided the evening's entertainment.
Photo by Jason Green

APIASF's President and Executive Director, Neil Horikoshi, thanked the many guests for their support and spoke about APIASF's future plans.
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APIASF's Board of Directors is comprised of leaders from key national organizations and corporations.
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Scholars, APIASF Staff, and Sanjaya celebrate a successful evening.
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Pausing for a photo at the end of APIASF's third annual gala are left to right: Neil Horikoshi (APIASF President and Executive Director), Bernadette Balagot (APIASF Program Officer for Scholarships), Leah Wu (APIASF Director of Development), and Katrina Chambers (APIASF Assistant Director of Development).
Photo by Jason Green