Raising Fun

Fundraising banquet a resounding success

More than 220 donors and other guests gathered in the beautiful California Club for KAM’s seventh annual fundraising dinner. Founded in 1991, the Museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history, experiences, culture and achievements of Americans of Korean ancestry. Jae Min Chang, chairman of the fundraising committee, welcomed the guests; Ki Suh Park, chairman of the board, spoke about the importance of the Korean American community’s support for the Museum’s plans to find a new site and build a permanent home; and Dr. Kay Song, board member, introduced some of the donors.

Ambassador Youn-Bok Lee, Korean consul general of Los Angeles, addressed guests, as did Los Angeles 4th District Councilman Tom LaBonge, who spoke of his support of KAM’s efforts. Also present were LaBonge’s field deputy, Young-Gi Kim, and Miriam Simmons, senior deputy of 2nd District County Supervisor Yvonne Burke. The Community Redevelopment Agency was represented by Helmi Hisserich, deputy administrator of the Hollywood and Central Region of the City of Los Angeles, and its project manager, Oscar Jauregui.

Then a good time was had by all. Entertainment was provided by world-renowned baritone Dong Kyu Kim, the first Korean to sing at La Scala, the famed Milan opera house. Kim has appeared in numerous operas and has performed in Stockholm, Strassburg, Bordeaux, Tel Aviv and at the Deutsche Oper. Another treat for the guests was a rousing solo performance of a classical piano concerto. The pianist was Yoon-Soo Lee, a winner of numerous international piano competitions who has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Hamburg State Opera and famous venues in San Francisco, Paris, Seoul, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires and Utrecht. As a result of donors’ generosity, the Museum is one step closer to realizing its dream of a permanent home in its own building.