MOCA’s annual gala is the Museum’s biggest annual fundraiser of the year, when hundreds of patrons unite for a common cause, see old friends, and welcome new ones into the MOCA family. The funds support MOCA’s educational programs directly enabling over 50,000 children, students, and adults to visit and learn about Chinese American contributions to the American narrative—a history that resonates deeply with all Americans and the Chinese diaspora. The outreach and funds raised have helped the Museum take its place among the country’s thriving arts and culture communities.
The MOCA Legacy Awards Gala recognizes the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of individuals and families whose unconditional service as pioneers, role models, and leaders have paved the way for generations. The evening is a glittering and purposeful one with many friends, family, business and social leaders, celebrities, performers, and government officials.
Former awardees that include: Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Ronnie C. Chan (Hang Lung Properties Ltd.), Jerry Yang (Yahoo!), Steve Chen (YouTube); Jackie Chan (Actor/Martial Artist); Anita Lo (Chef); Amy Tan (Author); I. M. Pei (Architect); David Henry Hwang (Playwright); Maxine Hong Kingston (Author); Ang Lee (Academy Award-winning Director); Lucy Liu (Actress); Tzi Ma (Actor), Vera Wang (Fashion Designer); Hon. Gary Locke (Former Governor State of Washington, and First U.S. Ambassador to China); Nancy C. Lee, JP (Philanthropist), Hon. Elaine Chao (Secretary of Transportation); Hon. Mae Yih (Former Oregon State Senator), Bill Moyers and Judith Davidson Moyers (TV Journalists), and many more distinguished individuals.
