On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 375 guests came together to strengthen Asian and new immigrant families. The Lantern Festival Gala raises critical funds to support our holistic, family-centered programs and services.

Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors, we raised $465,000 to ensure Asian and new immigrant families have the resources and supports needed to thrive.

L.B. Read Photography

View Full Album

View the full album. You are welcome to download pictures. If you share them on social media, please tag @BCNCinc or @BostonChinatownNeighborhoodCenter and credit our terrific photographer L.B. Read Photography.

Sponsors enjoyed a reception and viewed the latest exhibits at Pao Arts Center. After a welcome by Board member Terri Mock, guests were escorted to the Chinatown Gate on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. At the Gate, Chelsea Vuong, Miss Massachusetts 2023 provided a warm welcome and kicked off the festivities. BCNC CEO, Ben Hires shared about BCNC’s impact on the lives of families. Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and Chinatown, Downtown, and Leather District Liaison for the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, Chulan Huang shared words of support. As a former BCNC participant, Chulan shared how BCNC helped strengthen his family including him and his sister through child care programs and his mother who currently attends Adult Education classes. Guests enjoyed a musical performance by Ava Sophia and dragon dance by Wah Lum King Fu & Tai Chi Academy.

The evening culminated in delicious 10 course Chinese banquets at Hei La Moon and Empire Garden Restaurant. Guests learned more about BCNC through the inspiring stories of BCNC participants Fanny and Yajun. After viewing a video by L.B. Read Photography and Shaina Lu, Nüwa Athletic Club provided vibrant lion dance performances where guests “fed” the lions with red envelopes to give $45,000 to directly support new immigrant youth and adult students in workforce initiatives.

"BCNC is a wonderful organization providing services for my family. It helped us build a new life.”

- Fanny, BCNC Adult Education Graduate and Parent

Special thanks to our sponsors, supporters, staff members, and volunteers for making this a memorable night!

Thank you to those who helped to make this Gala possible:

Ava Sophia • BCNC Staff and Volunteers • Boston Light & Sound • Catering to You • Conventures • Chelsea Vuong, Miss Massachusetts 2023• Emily Wing, graphic designer • Empire Garden Restaurant • Hei La Moon Restaurant • L.B. Read Photography • Nüwa Athletic Club • Red Door Productions • Rose Kennedy Greenway • Shaina Lu, artist • Vantage Graphics • Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy of Malden and Quincy