Asian American Coalition 42nd Annual Lunar New Year
By: Veronica Leighton
4723 / 2025 Celebration Extravaganza February 22, 2025 – Hyatt Regency O’Hare
Every year, a different Asian community takes turn playing host of the Lunar New Year gala. This year, it is the Indonesian American Community,
which has twice before (2006 and 2015) held the gavel for the Asian Pacific American community’s most important event of the year.
“The Indonesian American Community is honored to host for the third time the Asian American Coalition of Chicago’s Annual Lunar New Year Celebration. We have chosen the interactive theme “ … ONE … “ reflecting “E Pluribus Unum *Bhineka Tunggal Ika,” to showcase Unity in ONE,” said Martino Tangkar, 2024-2025 President of the Board of Directors of the Asian American Coalition of Chicago. AACC… WHO WE ARE The Coalition is thrilled to announce that this year’s Pan Asian American Ping Tom Memorial honoree, its highest award, is trailblazing anchor and legendary TV broadcaster Linda Yu, currently Principal, Linda Yu Media. Attorney Darryl Tom nominated Linda Yu for the award and will again participate in this year’s award ceremonies, representing The Tom Family. Named Grand Asian American Sandra Otaka Memorial Awardee is Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.
The Coalition announces its 2025 Exemplary Community Service Awardees. Among many other Asian American awardees, a Filipino American community awardee is (Ms.) Cleo Aquino, President and Co-Founder, SPIRE Real Estate Education Inc., 2024, President, AREAA-Greater Chicago;
The Coalition also announces its 2025 Youth Who Excels Award recipients. (Mr.) Evan Mendiola, 17, Junior, York Community High School, Elmhurst, Illinois; was selected as the Filipino American Community Youth Awardee.
A new “In Memoriam” tribute video segment will also be introduced,nhonoring those who helped create the AACC legacy of the past. It will be set to original music by Chicago composer Cleofe Guangko Casambre, M.D.’ and narrated by longtime AACC board member Lourdes Mon. Original music composed by Chicago artist Tatsu Aoki will also be used for various live and recorded segments.
Currently, tickets are available at $1,500 sold per table of ten when funded by December 31, 2024, or $2,000 per table of ten if funded on or after January 1, 2025 for this popular star-studded event. No tickets will be sold at the door.
FOR CONTACTS: GENERAL: aacchicago2025@gmail.com
MEDIA: info@enericom.net
TICKETS: aacchicago2025@gmail.com
A fun Christmas party hosted by Flor and Don Kramer before they left for their annual Las Vegas leave.
In attendance: friends Flory Gloss, Dan Gawat & Thom Bierbrodt, Elbert & Elizabeth Regacho, Girlie Pascual & James DC, and moi.
Birthday girl Brigitte Cueter, CPRTV Newscaster, held her birthday party at Tia Mia’s restaurant, attended by her friends.
