October 3, 2025
Nearly 700 community leaders, partners, and supporters gathered on the first Friday of October for the Asian Community Fund’s 2025 Gala: Rising Together, a vibrant celebration of AAPI leadership, connection, and belonging across our region.
Hosted by the Asian Community Fund (ACF) at the Boston Foundation — the first and only philanthropic fund in Massachusetts dedicated to supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities—the gala has become the region’s signature event for AAPI leaders and allies.
Thanks to the leadership of 90 individual and institutional sponsors and countless donors, the Gala raised more than $875,000—the proceeds of which will bolster ACF’s ongoing work in supporting AAPI nonprofits, small businesses, cultural leaders, and residents throughout Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu headlined the event, highlighting ACF’s leadership in elevating resources and connections for AAPI and immigrant communities across the Commonwealth.
Guiding the evening’s festivities were co-emcees Shirley Leung, business columnist and associate editor of The Boston Globe, and Jim Braude, co-host of Boston Public Radio. Their energy, humor, and insight wove together a night filled with reflection, storytelling, and joy.
Watch the event highlight video below.
At the 2025 Gala, the Asian Community Fund announced that its two annual signature awards will be named permanently after the Fund’s co-founders Helen Chin Schlichte and Paul W. Lee. Embodying these co-founders’ vision of uplifting AAPI visibility and solidarity, two trailblazing pioneers were recognized for their many contributions in amplifying AAPI representation and community impact:
Paul and Helen, we thank you, and in naming these awards, we are honored to recognize your vision and legacy in advancing AAPI representation, unity, and solidarity.
“The Asian Community Fund does incredible work in the Commonwealth, and their work is a testament to the power of what we can achieve when we come together. The ACF’s work to build connections, celebrate culture, and invest in leadership is helping to shape a welcoming and vibrant future."
“ACF is charting a path where AAPI visibility and belonging go hand-in-hand with economic growth and strong communities. Our state is so grateful to have ACF investing in leadership, connection, and resources, so that our AAPI diaspora is not only seen, but celebrated here in Massachusetts and beyond.”
Co-chaired by Raja H.R. Bobbili, Thomas Vo, and Cissy Young, ACF’s 2025 Gala included powerful networking opportunities and stirring performances from the New England Tongan Community, Iskwelahang Pilipino, and Suno, Boston University’s South Asian/Western fusion a cappella group—each a reflection of the cultural vibrancy of AAPI communities throughout Massachusetts.
The evening also showcased AAPI-owned restaurants and small businesses, including culinary creations from Myers + Chang, Lê Madeline, and The Treasury, desserts by Melt in Your Mouth, chai by Madhrasi, and beverage offerings from exclusive partner 90+ Cellars. Guests enjoyed live portrait painting by Talia Connelly of A Painting in the Park, music by Violinviiv and Model Strings, and floral artistry by Chaba Florist. Mirroring ACF’s commitment to uplifting and showcasing AAPI entrepreneurs, over 70 percent of the ACF Gala’s vendors represent local Asian-owned businesses.
The full list of event vendors can be found in our 2025 Gala Program Booklet.
Launched in 2020, the Asian Community Fund (ACF) at the Boston Foundation is a permanent resource designed to galvanize and unite the diverse ethnicities within the AAPI community, incubate new partnerships, and build a stronger advocacy voice.
Since its founding in 2020, the ACF has distributed more than $1.6 million in grants to AAPI-led nonprofits and convened thousands of residents and allies statewide. Through initiatives such as the Asian Business Empowerment Council, AAPI Arts & Culture Collaborative, and AAPI Mental Health Collaborative, the ACF is uplifting representation, prosperity, and belonging for all who call Massachusetts home.
