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.

The Celebration of Community Heroes event recognizes the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of individuals and families whose unconditional service as pioneers, role models, and leaders have advanced our communities.

MOCA’s educational fund is one of our most important and successful fund-raising efforts all year. 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.

MOCA often partners with selected middle schools and high schools to issue an essay competition titled “What Makes a Hero?” Any students from the participating schools can submit an essay celebrating the community heroism of one of the MOCA Honorees. The winning student is invited to read the essay and attend the celebration with the family.

Our growing list of Community Heroes, including New York City Council Member Margaret Chin; Commissioner Wellington Chen; Charles B. Wang Community Health Center; Mrs. Y.C. Chen of the J.T. Tai & Co. Foundation; the Chen Family of Pearl River Mart; Carl Shan Leung of Kamwo Meridian Herbs; Dr. Betty Lee Sung, Co-Founder of the Asian American / Asian Research Institute at the City University of New York; Mr. Eric Ng, President of Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association; Ms. Fay Chew Matsuda of Hamilton-Madison House; BUBBLE_T, and Apex for Youth.