We Are Boston 2009 Event Recap

On Tuesday, October 6, Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Office of New Bostonians hosted another successful We Are Boston awards gala at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, attended by over 1,000 guests representing the diverse cultures of the City of Boston. With captivating ethnic performances by groups such as Kola San Jon (Cape Verde), Gund Kwok Asian Women’s Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe, the Society for Chinese Instrumental Music, and the winner of the New Bostonians Talent Showcase Inkas Wasi (Peru), the event continued to be a testament in recognizing the remarkable contributions immigrants have made and the multi-faceted talents that have become integral to the fabric of our City. Mayor Menino started the dinner gala by welcoming all the guests, followed by remarks from the event co-chairs: Josefina Bonilla-Ruiz, Michael Dunn, and George Russell Jr. Reverend Cheng Imm Tan, the Director of Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians, emceed the entire event. A special tribute was paid to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the recipient of the We Are Boston 2006 New Bostonian Leadership Award.

“$1,400 –sold!” As guests were sampling the delicious dinner fare, Mayor Menino added onto the evening’s excitement by conducting a live auction and bidding was heavy on all the items. In addition, a new element- the silent auction, with close to 80 items to bid on, also made its debut at the gala this year. Guests truly enjoyed the “friendly” competition and all for a very good cause. Yet, the celebration didn’t end here, Yo-Yo Ma surprised our guests and held everyone’s breath with a stunning solo performance and concluded the evening with palpable excitement for We Are Boston 2010!

In addition to Yo-Yo Ma, Mayor Menino also recognized Tufts Medical Center, Colette Phillips, Andre Donegan, Allain Cherenfant, and Maria Pires Centeio for their contributions in assisting New Bostonians to participate in the economic, civic, cultural, and social life of the City.

“Once again, this was a great event that recognized the tremendous impact Yo-Yo Ma and others have had on the immigrant community in Boston.” Mayor Thomas M. Menino

Message from Rev. Cheng Imm Tan

This event is an inspiring reminder of the many identities our community represents…Of all the identities I have, the one I am most proud of is being an immigrant.
- Yo-Yo Ma, world renowned cellist and the recipient of the 4th Annual We Are Boston Leadership Award

Thank you so much for your support in making the fourth We Are Boston Gala another inspiring success. 

Each of you play a crucial role in building a greater Boston that is truly inclusive and leaves no one behind.  Our future and common wealth depends on giving everyone the opportunity to fully participate in the social, economic, civic and cultural life of the city and beyond.  Your participation and support of the fourth We Are Boston Gala helps to ensure and realize the continued vitality and prosperity of our city and beyond. 

Change does not come easy.  It takes commitment, dedication, perseverance and hard work.  And, it takes a large group of people willing to work together on an on-going basis to realize the common goal.  Thank you for being with us at this year’s We Are Boston Gala and at previous Galas.  Mayor Thomas Menino and I look forward to your continued support, participation and involvement in next year’s We Are Boston Gala and building a more inclusive city and beyond.

Yours Sincerely,
Rev. Cheng Imm Tan
Director, Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians

Silent Auction at 2009 Gala

We Are Boston is kicking off its first Silent Auction at the 2009 gala on October 6th. Our dedicated Silent Auction committee members are working hard to compile a wide range of auction items. Our category of items ranges from travel, entertainment, sports, education, restaurants and leisure. Our 2009 gala promises to be a fun night out for attendees and a great time to do some early holiday shopping!

We want to thank our donors for their generosity. All proceeds will go to ESOL classes or immigrant programs.

If you would like to donate any items or join our silent auction committee, please contact Candice Trzcinka at candice88@gmail.com.

Highlights of our 2009 silent auction items include:

• Tickets to Live “Good Morning America” in NYC donated by WCVB 5
• Three months membership to a luxury gym and spa at Sport Club L.A. at the Ritz Carlton Hotel
• Boston Duck Tour tickets
• Indoor climbing lessons by Metro Rock
• A special group tour and admission to the New England Aquariums
• Membership to Peabody Essex Museum

Welcome to We Are Boston!

The Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians is excited to announce its fourth annual

We Are Boston Gala on October 6, 2009! 

 

Call For Nominations!

The Deadline for Youth nominations has been extended to Friday, August 7, 2009.

Nominations for Leadership Awards are now being accepted for the following categories:

• Youth Leadership: An immigrant youth or a youth whose parents are immigrants who is under 21 years old who has made significant contributions to empower his/her community. 
• Corporate Leadership: A corporation that demonstrates consistent commitment in promoting diversity internally
• Community Leadership: An individual who demonstrates commitment and works effectively to promote and embrace Boston’s multicultural richness and empower New Bostonians to fully participate in the economic, social, civic and cultural understanding/collaboration in the city. 

 Please e-mail complete applications to agnes.chang@cityofboston.gov or mail to The Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians, Boston City Hall, Room 803, Boston, MA 02201.

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Save the Date! We are Boston Gala: October 6, 2009