Involve, Inspire, Make A Difference
Another successful Leadership Awards Gala completed

KAPS’ 10th Annual Leadership Awards Gala was successfully held on June 17 at the picturesque Bell Harbor International Conference Center on Pier 66 in downtown Seattle. More than 200 community members, including Consul General of Republic of Korea Jae Gouk Kim, Federal Way City Councilmember Michael Park, State Representative Eric Pettigrew and NAACP President Alfoster Garrett, Jr. This year’s theme, “Involve, Inspire, Make a Difference,” was to encourage second-generation KAs to get involved and continue down the path our parents and grandparents set forth. Charles Kim of the Korean American Coalition was invited as the keynote speaker. Co-founder of KAC, Kim took an active role in establishing a foundation for the next generation of KAs after the tragic L.A. Riots.

This year, four recipients were honored with KAPS Excellence Awards. Pierce County Superior Court Judge Ronald Culpepper presented the Artistic Award to Wes Kim, who is not only known for his short films, but also for his role in staging the Seattle International Film Festival. Lynnwood Mayor Mike McKinnon then awarded Lea Armstrong, who single-handedly built an empire of senior citizens care centers. Armstrong started Uniserve, Inc. with two employees in 1994. It has since expanded into 11 offices in six counties with 1,400 employees serving 1,600 clients.

TOP to BOTTOM: Governor Albert Rosellini presents the Rocky Kim Pioneer Award to UW Korea Studies Fundraising Committee Chair Ick Won Lee. The Bell Harbor Conference Center on Pier 66, the site of this year’s KAPS Leadership Gala, overlooks the Elliot Bay.

The Future Leader Award is a scholarship given to a senior in high school. This year, the 2001 recipient, Laurel Hong-Hwa Lee, who received degrees in both neuroscience and biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology while leading a cancer research project, presented it to Chinbo Chong. Chong expressed her interest in politics and hoped to follow the footsteps of state Sen. Paull Shin.

The fourth award was named after a leader in the Seattle community who was tragically gunned down during a robbery at his business a few years ago. The Rocky Kim Pioneer Award is given to those who take on roles that pave the path for the next generation and the community. This year, it was presented by former Washington Gov. Albert Rosellini who, as the son of an Italian immigrant, has had parallel experiences with Korean Americans. The Rocky Kim Pioneer Award was presented to the University of Washington Korea Studies Fundraising Committee for its tremendous effort in raising over a million dollars to save the Korea Studies department at UW. Although there is still much work to be done, the committee members’ efforts and passion are admirable.

The evening was topped off with a special performance by well-known jazz trumpeter JuHan Lee. The native Washingtonian, who started his music career 10 years ago, has performed with greats like Lee Moon-Se, Lee Sora, Kang Suzi, Shin SeungHoon, Position, Park Jin Young and DJ Doc, and has appeared on the soundtracks to “Oasis,” “Run Away,” “Ma-ri’s Story” and “The Zoo Next to the Museum”.

The success of this year’s gala was due to many sponsors. Once again, thanks to platinum sponsor Anheuser Busch, as well as Asiana Airlines, Prudential Financial, PIP Printing and Document Services of Fremont, Shari Song of Skyline Properties, State Farm Insurance, Susan Lee, Consulate General, Republic of Korea, Keller Williams Realtor Brandon Na, and Speedy Signs.