40Forward: Anniversary Gala

Invitation-only For Supporters, Sponsors, & Special Guests To Usher In The Next Four Decades of Social Justice
NON-TRANSFERRABLE

Registration for the United in Action: 40Forward Gala  

1. Go to the registration site: https://donate.ajsocal.org/AJSOCAL40ForwardGala, hit the “RSVP” button. 
2. On the next page, select your/your host’s “gala sponsor level” and hit the + button for the number of guests you are registering for then hit RSVP (right hand corner). Note: Don’t worry about the charge (you will eventually insert the promo code to bypass payment). 
3. On the next page, fill in the “Attendee information”.  In the “sponsor you are attending with” box, please include your sponsor/host (to help our team correctly assign your table). Check all the required event waivers and indicate any dietary restrictions. Note: Highly suggested to provide individual emails for QR code check-in, which will be used on the day of the event. QR code will be sent via email by Classy, our registration platform.  
4. Use the promo code you were provided in the “Add Promo Code” space on the left-hand side to bypass the payment portal – your ticket has already been paid for under your sponsorship. No payment will be required, unless otherwise indicated.  
5. The next page will be the standard “donation” page.  You are not obligated to donate, although any support is greatly appreciated! Hit “Skip” if you prefer to bypass.  
6. If you have any questions or if you need assistance with your registration needs, please contact Michi Lew, mlew@ajsocal.org or (213) 241-0235.  

The following individuals have been selected as honorees for Ruby Hero Awards–established for AJSOCAL’s landmark year–for outstanding leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the empowerment and progress of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) civil rights movement:

• Brandon Tsay, Monterey Park Lunar New Year Hero and the 2023 Joseph Ileto Courage Award Recipient. Tsay exemplified utmost bravery as the hero who disarmed the Lunar New Year mass shooter at his family’s ballroom studio in Alhambra, CA. Tsay is also being named by AJSOCAL as the 2023 Joseph Ileto Courage Award which recognizes individuals for exceptional courage and resilience in the face of adversity. His direct bystander intervention saved dozens of lives. Tsay’s instinctive reaction to stop an act of violence is an inspiration to AAPIs and allies throughout the country to pursue bystander intervention training as a means of safely preventing incidents of hate from escalating.
  Tsay will be presented with both awards (Ruby Hero & Ileto Courage) by celebrated actor, director and producer, Daniel Wu. Daniel’s advocacy in the AAPI community has been notable over the past few years. His bold voice and firm action helped strengthen the AAPI movement during the COVID-19 pandemic as incidents of hate and violence against Asian Americans surged. Wu was honored with AJSOCAL’s Ruby Hero Award in April to recognize his leadership and inspirational work in promoting the richness and complexity of AAPI communities

• U.S. Representative Judy Chu. In tandem with AJSOCAL’s 40 years, Rep. Chu has been a trailblazer for Asian Americans for nearly four decades. She has made history as the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress. For the past 12 years, she has served as the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus, or CAPAC, where she is an instrumental leader in fighting the recent rise in anti-Asian hate. Formerly a City Councilmember and Mayor of Monterey Park, Rep. Chu’s response after the Lunar New Year shooting elevated her hometown’s tragedy to national attention and reaffirmed the strong need for additional federal gun safety prevention measures. Throughout her public career service, Rep. Chu has always fought to improve public safety and the well-being of Angelenos, Californians, and Americans alike.
  Rep. Chu will be presented the award by Kristenne Reidy, a family member of a victim in the Lunar New Year shooting. Reidy has been an active voice in the aftermath of the Monterey Park tragedy and has used her experience to demonstrate restorative justice and recognition for the lives lost to gun violence. Reidy is a distinguished voice for the San Gabriel Valley community and has stood alongside Rep. Chu as speakers for social justice at AJSOCAL events and beyond.

• Walter and Shirley Wang – Walter & Shirley Wang Foundation. Walter Wang is the CEO and chairman of North America’s largest plastic pipe manufacturer, JM Eagle. Mr. Wang has been a leading supporter of efforts to bring clean water to communities in developing countries around the world. Shirley Wang is the founder and CEO of Plastpro Inc., the first fully automated fiberglass door manufacturing plant in the world. In 2022, CIO Views listed Mrs. Wang among the year’s most admired women business leaders.
  Walter and Shirley Wang’s global philanthropy has exceeded $40 million which spans major funding to education, medical relief and research, drug abuse prevention, award winning public service announcement documentaries, and infrastructure-building in eight African countries providing water for over ½ million people. The Wangs have made significant contributions to AJSOCAL through the Walter & Shirley Wang Anti-Asian Hate Project, a 5-year multi-million dollar investment to fight against Asian hate. Their donations to AJSOCAL have funded multiple staffing positions including 10 pro bono lawyers dedicated to aiding abused women and combating anti-Asian discrimination. Their exceptional generosity and advocacy have helped pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future.
  The Wangs will be presented the award by AJSOCAL’s President Emeritus, Stewart Kwoh. Kwoh is the founder of AJSOCAL and Co-Executive Director of the Asian American Education Project. As a champion for civil rights, Kwoh has worked closely with the Wangs to further legal and civil rights endeavors. Kwoh’s work spans years of intense litigation, spearheading landmark legal services such as providing counsel for the Vincent Chin murder and leading the groundbreaking federal civil rights law suit, Bureerong v. Uvawas, fighting against modern day slavery for trafficked Thai garment workers.

 AJSOCAL’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY LIVE AUCTION PRIZES 

Prepare to win AJSOCAL’s live auction and pledge donations at our 40th anniversary Gala. Bid early and view our exciting prizes below.