The Asian Community Fund Inaugural Gala

On October 3, 2024, The Asian Community Fund (ACF) at the Boston Foundation convened more than 550 AAPI leaders, allies, and partners for an evening dedicated to advancing AAPI representation, leadership, and narrative change in Massachusetts.

The Inaugural Gala raised more than $725,000 in donations, proceeds which will support ACF’s ongoing work as the only philanthropic fund in dedicated to strengthening AAPI community power in the state.

The event featured cultural performances, networking opportunities, a powerful keynote from City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and honored two distinguished changemakers—Geeta Aiyer, President and Founder of Boston Common Asset Management, and Bob Rivers, Executive Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors at Eastern Bank—whose contributions have greatly supported AAPI residents and the immigrant community at large.

“The Asian Community Fund was created to be a permanent resource for our community, a permanent platform for our voices, a permanent launchpad for generations of leaders,” said Boston Mayor Wu. “ACF fuels a robust network of support designed to make sure one million little things go right so that when one person in the community needs help, the rest of us can be there to support.”

The event, co-chaired by Renee Inomata, Partner at Casner & Edwards and Raj Sharma, Founder and Managing Director of The Sharma Group at Merrill Private Wealth, was emceed by Liz Cheng, General Manager at GBH and WORLD, for what was a vibrant celebration of ACF’s work to date in uplifting AAPI voices, alongside the recognition of the key leaders who have supported its mission.

ACF’s goal is to expand social services and arts and culture, incubate new partnerships among various communities, and promote AAPI entrepreneurship” said Gala Co-Chair and TBF Board Member Raj Sharma “I’m proud to be part of this movement to ensure that every resident in this country has a shot at opportunity and success.”

The celebration, held at The Westin Copley Place, highlighted ACF’s leadership in seeding and anchoring vital community-led coalitions like the Asian Business Empowerment Council and the AAPI Arts and Culture Collaborative. Since 2022, ACF has awarded over $1 million in grants to 86 AAPI-serving nonprofits, with this year’s grant cycle distributing $450,000 across 52 organizations.

“The idea of uniting 500,000 AAPI residents in Massachusetts from diverse backgrounds and origins felt ambitious, but then I met the amazing team at ACF, tonight’s honorees and the many partners and allies in this cause. Individually, they are incredible; and together, we are unstoppable!” said Gala Co-Chair and ACF Steering Committee Member Renee Inomata.

Honored for their contributions in advancing AAPI visibility, belonging, and equity, Geeta Aiyer was named as the AAPI Honoree for her remarkable work as an entrepreneur, business leader, and social activist, whose advocacy spans environmental and social justice. Bob Rivers was recognized for his committed partnership and advocacy in supporting AAPI communities and entrepreneurs of color.

The Gala raised more than $720,000 in donations, proceeds which will support ACF’s ongoing work as the only philanthropic fund in Massachusetts dedicated to strengthening AAPI community power.

“This evening and this movement is about elevating the voices and the collective power of the AAPI community and all immigrants who reside here in the Commonwealth,” said Danielle Kim, Executive Director of ACF. “Many in this room are great at climbing the ladder, but it is not sufficient and alone to climb the ladder. We have a responsibility to shoot that ladder down and bring up everyone around us.”

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed cultural performances, including a performance by ViolinViiv, a K-pop dance performance by StyleMe, Indian folk dancing by Boston Bhangra, and traditional Cambodian dancing by Angkor Dance Troupe, as well as signature appetizers and desserts prepared by renowned chefs Tracy Chang of Pagu and Laurence Louie of Rubato. Over 72 companies and individuals sponsored the gala, including key institutions like ABRY Partners, The Boston Foundation, Eastern Bank, Encore Boston Harbor, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, RSM, and WTW, underscoring the strong unity and momentum to amplify AAPI leadership and representation.

Notable attendees of the event included Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, whose attendance at the gala was amongst several notable elected officials and state representatives along with a citation of support presented by State Representative Tram Nguyen, Massachusetts Asian House Caucus, highlighting the Commonwealth’s commitment to empowering AAPI communities.