Photos: Trung Nguyen-the Bokeh Studio & Michael Weis
The Asian American Chamber of Commerce celebrated its Fourth Annual Golden Dragon Awards on October 19, 2013. It was a special night to celebrate “Diversity” at The Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. With close to 200 attendees enjoying the Silent Auction and cocktail reception, and then being summoned into the dining area by the outstanding performance of the Orlando Taiko Dojo – it was the start of a great evening.
Dan Nainan, the Master of Ceremonies also entertained everyone with his comedic monologue. Joining Dan on stage to give opening remarks was Coco Johnston, President of the AACC.
A special President’s Award was presented to Joed Fabricante. Greetings on behalf of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, the Title Sponsor, was given by Nancy Gidusko, Director of Community Relations and Minority Business Development.
The keynote address was delivered by Ambassador Harriet Elam-Thomas. Now retired, she directs the Diplomacy Program in the Burnett Honors College at UCF.
Dan Nainan along with Valerie Boey, local news broadcaster announced the award winners. The previous year’s winners presented the awards to the 2013 winners: Golden Dragon Award – Publix Super Markets; Ellison S. Onizuka Humanitarian Award – Harris Rosen; Green Spirit Award – Orlando Science Center; Diversity Champion Award – Commissioner Patty Sheehan; and the Golden Hands Award – CenturyLink. Congratulations to all the winners. The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Ensemble along with performances by Shawn Kilgore and Natalie Cardone entertained the crowd with some show-stopping Broadway tunes. To cap the night off, dance music was provided by DJ Mike Madawi.
We would like to say thank you to the event sponsors: Walt Disney Parks & Resorts – Title Sponsor; Orlando Magic – Gold Sponsor; and Universal Orlando – Silver Sponsor. To our Corporate Partners – Orlando Magic, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, Visit Orlando, Orlando Health, Florida Hospital, Darden, OUC, SunTrust and Asia Trend – thank you for your continued support of the AACC. Thank you to the many donors of the Silent Auction and to the volunteers who worked hard to make this event a success. And thank you to the staff of The Contemporary Resort for making the evening special.
To join the AACC family go to: www.asianamericanchambercfl.org
