CPC Celebrates 60 Years of Community Services at Annual Benefit, Raises Over $1.5 Million to Empower Communities | Chinese-American Planning Council
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. CPC Celebrates 60 Years of Community Services at Annual Benefit, Raises Over $1.5 Million to Empower Communities
Main Content

CPC Celebrates 60 Years of Community Services at Annual Benefit, Raises Over $1.5 Million to Empower Communities

Feb
28

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Date: February 28, 2025

Contact:

Alice Du, Director of Communications (adu@cpc-nyc.org) | 212-792-4585

CPC Celebrates 60 Years of Community Services at Annual Benefit, Raises Over $1.5 Million to Empower Communities

New York, NY – Last night, the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) held its annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street, celebrating 60 years of empowering and uplifting Asian American, immigrant, and low-income communities in New York City. The sold-out event welcomed more than 900 guests and raised over $1.5 million, with 100% of proceeds supporting CPC’s efforts to expand essential programming, particularly for immigrant New Yorkers during this critical time of economic uncertainty and policy challenges, promote staff development, and advocate for policy priorities that advance equity and inclusion for all.  

 

“For 60 years, CPC has been privileged to serve our communities. We celebrate not only our past achievements but also our collective commitment to building a more equitable future,” said Wayne Ho, President and CEO of CPC. “Because government contracts limit staff compensation and often fall short of covering the full cost of providing services, the proceeds from this benefit will supplement our advocacy efforts to secure better pay and resources for nonprofit workers. With the support of our incredible partners and allies, we will continue to fight for equity, empower workers, and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive.”

 

The evening was emceed by Ernabel Demillo, host of CUNY-TV’s Emmy Award-winning show “Asian American Life,” and Alan Muraoka, the beloved actor and director best known as the proprietor of Hooper’s Store on Sesame Street. Guests enjoyed performances by Broadway stars Ali Ewoldt, who sang “Somewhere” from West Side Story, and Raymond J. Lee, who performed “Go the Distance” from Hercules, accompanied by award-winning music director Amanda Morton on the keyboard.

 

The gala also honored three distinguished leaders for their contributions to the community: Nelson Louis, President of The Ong Family Foundation; David L. Picket, CEO of Gotham Organization; and Sally T. WongAvery, a lifelong advocate for education and immigrant empowerment.

 

Nelson Louis shared, "I am deeply honored to be recognized as an honoree at the 60th Anniversary celebration of the CPC. I recognize and appreciate all the hard work and the collective effort of those who have supported and inspired me throughout the years. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to such a great organization."

 

"Gotham has a decades-long history of partnering with nonprofits to strengthen communities. It has been a privilege to collaborate with CPC over the past several years, in particular, creating a new home that enables them to expand their vital services to the Asian community and beyond," said David L. Picket.

 

“New York is very lucky to have CPC serving its community. I have known CPC for over 40 years, and it is one of the best social service agencies in the United States. Over these 40 years, it has grown and continues to serve its clients well. I’m very honored to receive this award from CPC,” said Sally T. WongAvery.

 

Founded in 1965 in response to the end of the Chinese Exclusion Act and the influx of immigrant families entering the United States, CPC has now grown into the nation’s largest Asian American social services organization, serving over 80,000 New Yorkers annually through more than 50 high-quality programs across nearly 40 sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, and helping individuals and families achieve their education, family, community, and career goals.

 

In 2024, CPC expanded opportunities for thousands of New Yorkers: 1,052 children participated in free or affordable STEM, arts, and recreational programming across six afterschool sites; 12,922 older adults found community and connection through CPC’s four older adults centers; 942 community members accessed immigration services; 3,912 youth gained hands-on job experience through the Summer Youth Employment Program; and 2,266 community members received home care services through subsidiary CPC Home Attendant Program.

 

For more information about CPC and its programs, visit www.cpc-nyc.org.

 

About the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC):

The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) is a social services organization that creates positive social change. Founded in 1965, CPC is the nation’s largest Asian American social services organization and aims to promote the social and economic empowerment of Chinese American, immigrant, and low-income communities of New York City. CPC is the trusted partner to individuals and families striving to achieve goals in their education, family, community, and career.

 

關於華人策劃協會 (華策會):

華人策劃協會（簡稱“華策會”）是一個致力於創造正向社會變革的社會服務機構。華策會成立於1965年，是美國最大的亞裔美國人社會服務機構，旨在促進紐約市華裔美國人、移民及低收入社區的社會權益和經濟賦權。華策會是為個人和家庭實現其教育、家庭、社區及職業目標而努力的可信賴機構。

 

ACERCA DE CPC

El Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) es una organización de servicios sociales que crea un cambio social positivo. Fundada en 1965, CPC es la mayor organización de servicios sociales asiático-americanos del país y su objetivo es promover la capacitación social y económica de las comunidades chino-americanas, inmigrantes y de bajos ingresos de la ciudad de Nueva York. CPC es el socio de confianza de personas y familias que se esfuerzan por alcanzar objetivos en su educación, familia, comunidad y carrera.

 

###