HOSTS 2009 ANNUAL DINNER BENEFIT DECEMBER 4th

AT FURAMA RESTAURANT IN CHINATOWN

450 GUESTS HELP RAISE OVER $50,000

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FOR RELEASE ON                                   CONTACT:  (312) 791-0418

December 4, 2009 7:30 p.m.              Development Department (312) 791-0418

                                                    www.caslservice.org or ENERI Communications

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CHICAGO, IL -- The Chinese American Service League, Inc. (CASL) hosted its 2009 Annual Dinner Dance Benefit on Friday, December 4^th at Furama Restaurant, 2828 South Wentworth Avenue, Chicago. The event began with a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception showcasing CASL's award-winning Chef Training Program.

Celebrating 30 Years of Serving and Caring in Chicago’s Chinese American community, this benefit is raising critical funds to support CASL’s work and marks the culmination of its landmark anniversary year. Event emcees are Emmy Award-winning journalist Nancy Loo and Chinatown leader Alan Ang. Approximately 450 people attended, including community and business leaders, local media personalities, and government officials. The event is expected to net over $50,000.

The CASL Kung Fu Class opened ceremonies with a traditional lion dance and an exciting Kung Fu demonstration. Guests enjoyed the culinary delights of a traditional Gourmet Chinese Dinner Banquet, with entertainment; Silent Auction and Raffle taking place in between. Fine art, jewelry and dinner goodies from local restaurants are among items that helped to raise much-needed funds, through CASL’s Annual Dinner Dance Benefit Silent Auction and Raffle.

“I have served as a volunteer leader with CASL since 1996,” said Darryl Tom, CASL Vice Chair, in his remarks. “And over these 13 years; I can assure you the organization is appreciative of the support many of you have shown in the past -- and for your continued generosity in the future,” he said.

“Like most not-for profits, the economic crisis we are all facing has impacted CASL dramatically. We are faced with major cuts in State government funding and private grants…. We are at our best when we inspire each other, create opportunities for community support, and persist in the face of adversity,” said Tom in thanking guests for their continued support of the agency, and calling for even stronger efforts. 

Performances featured members of the CASL Interest Dance Class, and a Gu Zheng and Erwu duet performance by CASL students. A special Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony was also held. The 2009 honorees are:

Al Difranco and Johnny Mei, the photography and design team behind CASL’s beautiful 30^th Anniversary retrospective, and;

Frank Wappel, a long-time volunteer and supporter of CASL, notably contributing to three of four operation areas, Child Education Development, Family and Community Services, and Elderly Services.

Major sponsors include CNA, RR Donnelley, Kraft Foods and Motorola.

Top Raffle prizes included: Two round-trip coach class tickets to Shanghai or Beijing, China, courtesy of American Airlines; a brilliant Samsung 19” flat-panel LCD HDTV, courtesy of Best Buy; and three gourmet dinners valued at $100 each at Tony Hu Gourmet Groups’ Lao family of restaurants. 

ABOUT THE CHINESE AMERICAN SERVICE LEAGUE

Founded in 1978, and now celebrating 30 years of service, the Chinese American Service League, Inc. (CASL) is the Midwest's largest and most comprehensive social service agency of its type, operating with a $10 million budget, 300 dedicated bilingual and bicultural staff and 495 volunteers. Today, our operations focus on four areas: Child Education Development, Family and Community Services, Employment and Training, and Elderly Services.  Within these departments, we offer 20 programs that serve 17,000 clients annually, individuals and families who otherwise would have limited access to such programs. CASL is a United Way partner social service agency located in the heart of Chicago's Chinatown. (Kam L. Liu Building, 2141 South Tan Court, corner Princeton Avenue). For more information, contact (312) 791-0418 or adminis at caslservice.org.

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