ACRS Hosts First Live Concert Gala Featuring Acclaimed Artist Daniel Pak

Posted October 17, 2024

In Announcements, Community Events, Frontpage, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEATTLE, WA—On Saturday, October 12, Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) hosted its first live concert gala at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. Over 450 community leaders, elected officials, supporters, and volunteers gathered to raise funds for programs and services that benefit Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other communities facing disparities across the Washington region.

The event was hosted by acclaimed singer/songwriter, activist, and Totem Star founder Daniel Pak, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Attendees enjoyed live performances by Pak and his band, The Lolos; the Vietnamese Student Association at the University of Washington (VSAUW) Moonlit Lotus dance group; and powerful client stories that highlighted the impact of ACRS’s work and mission.

This year’s theme, “Our Voice Changes the Future,” emphasized the collective power of the communities ACRS serves and how social justice work is expressed across various fields—music, the arts, social services, and advocacy—spanning generations. Videos showcased ACRS’s advocacy efforts in partnership with statewide organizations at the recent Democracy Summit at the Tacoma Dome, as well as the young leaders and clients in the agency’s Youth Development program, highlighting the importance of nurturing and empowering youth voices.

“When adults support young people in creating safe, affirming environments, young people thrive and lead with impact,” said ACRS Executive Director Michael Byun. “We also recognize the importance of working alongside them to challenge the dehumanizing narratives often surrounding youth, empowering them to become solution-makers in our community.”

Headlining sponsor HAVI played a crucial role in the event’s success, helping to raise over $310,000 while providing attendees with insight into the diverse range of programs and services offered by ACRS.

At ACRS, clients overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, gaining the ability to advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities on the issues that matter most to them. ACRS provides vital services and resources that help clients meet their families’ basic needs, often empowering them to discover their voices in the process.

Special thanks to our event sponsors:

HEADLINE: HAVI

PREMIERE: Amazon | Asians at Amazon | Microsoft Advocate: Gates Foundation

COMMUNITY PARTNER: Providence Swedish | Puget Sound Energy | SEIU 775

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