Lantern Festival Gala – Supporting Mental Health for Asians and Immigrants
/On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 330 guests came together to celebrate honorees Selina Chow and Betty Szeto and strengthen Asian and immigrant families. Hosted by Tiffany Chan, anchor at WBZ-TV, BCNC’s Lantern Festival Gala raised critical funds to support our holistic, family-centered programs and services.
Thanks to our generous sponsors and donors, we raised $380,000 to ensure Asian and new immigrant families have the resources and supports needed to thrive.
You are welcome to download pictures. If you share them on social media, please tag @bcncinc and credit L.B. Read Photography.
Sponsors enjoyed a reception and viewed the latest exhibits at Pao Arts Center. After a welcome by Board Chair Terri Mock, guests were escorted to the Chinatown Gate on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. At the Gate, host Tiffany Chan provided a warm welcome and kicked off the evening. BCNC CEO, Ben Hires shared about BCNC’s impact and the importance of strengthening immigrant families in light of recent policy changes and challenges to the community. Representative Aaron Michlewitz and Tiffany Chu, Chief of Staff to Mayor Michelle Wu presented citations to Selina and Betty in recognition of their years of service and community impact. Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch also shared words of support. Guests enjoyed a musical performance blending the Chinese guzheng and classical guitar by Duo Chinoiserie and traditional Korean janggu drum and dance performance by Boston Korean Dance Academy.
The evening culminated in delicious 10 course Chinese banquet at the newly renovated China Pearl Restaurant. Guests learned more about BCNC through the moving stories of BCNC participants Elvira and Yuting. Through BCNC’s workforce initiatives, Elvira strengthened her language and tech skills, passed the U.S. citizenship test, and advanced her career. Through BCNC’s Family Services, Yuting received mental health support, became a stronger advocate for her children with special needs, and found connection and community with other parents.
Guests then heard from Eugene Mahr, Board Member, who shared a video message introducing Selina Chow and her leadership, which helped to expand BCNC. Selina has been a dedicated and passionate member of the BCNC board for 18 years, serving as Board President from 2007 to 2016. Her leadership, vision, and compassion have helped the organization reach new heights and become what it is today. This includes BCNC’s expansion to a second facility in Quincy and the physical build out and operational launch of Pao Arts Center. Learn more about Selina’s story below.
Next, Carmen Chan, former BCNC Director of Development, shared a video message about Betty Szeto and her contributions to BCNC’s growth and current success. For the last 30 years, Betty has been a board member and volunteer whose dedication and generosity have made a profound difference in the lives of many. Betty was crucial in BCNC's fundraising efforts, namely the organization’s first capital campaign. This led to the construction of its current Boston location on 38 Ash Street, which established a permanent home for BCNC's programs and services in the heart of the community. Learn more about Betty’s impact below.
Ben Hires then presented honorees Selina Chow and Betty Szeto each with an award in recognition of their outstanding service and dedication to the community.
After viewing a video by Red Door Productions, 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 $37,600 to directly support the launch of BCNC’s licensed mental health clinic. As BCNC constituents cope with the stress of immigration, xenophobia and racism, and recent policy changes, immigrants stand to suffer from poor mental health outcomes. Supporters raised funds to provide critical and urgent resources for children, youth, and families and ensure a brighter, healthier futures for all.
"“BCNC means a lot to me. It’s a place I can rely on and go to when I need resources or advice. It helped me improve and become a better parent for my kids.”
- Yuting, BCNC Participant 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:
BCNC Staff and Volunteers • Boston Korean Dance Academy • Boston Light & Sound • Catering to You • China Pearl Restaurant • Conventures • Duo Chinoiserie • Emily Wing, graphic designer • L.B. Read Photography • Nüwa Athletic Club • Red Door Productions • Rose Kennedy Greenway • Shaina Lu, artist • Tiffany Chan, host • Vantage Graphics
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
Nancy Wang Adams and Scott A. Schoen ⦁ Joe and Selina Chow ⦁ Miranda Yanmin & Amy Yanqing Meuse ⦁ The Simshauser Family
Bronze Sponsor
Jenny Hong ⦁ Renee Inomata and Paul Lee ⦁ Brigitte and Michael Lee ⦁ Helen Lin ⦁ Bill and Theresa Mock ⦁ Mary M. Tse
Crystal Sponsor
David Parker Ambach ⦁ Paul and Kieu Bi ⦁ Chayenne & Chenelle Chin ⦁ Angela Gee ⦁ Jeannette Hsu ⦁ Agustina & Yuchun Lee ⦁ Stephen Lynch & Family, Hero Coatings ⦁ Eleanor and Frank Pao ⦁ Paul Rooney ⦁ Elaine Li Shiang, MD and Lynn Li, MD ⦁ Marian A. Tse and James S. Lee ⦁ Madeline and Howard Wan ⦁ Waichi Wong, MD
