Duluth, February 22, 2025 — The National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA) ushered in the Year of the Snake with a grand gala, drawing a crowd of 300 guests, including Senator Raphael Warnock, who delivered greeting remarks.
The gala, marked by cultural performances and a lavish 10-course Chinese banquet, featured a keynote address from Carlos Pagoaga, president of the Coca-Cola Foundation. But beyond the festivities, the event also underscored the organization’s deep commitment to education and community support.
One of the night’s standout moments was NACA’s announcement of $30,000 in need-based scholarships for students at Georgia State University Perimeter College, including two bilingual Asian language healthcare scholarships.
The organization also reaffirmed its ongoing financial support for initiatives at Georgia Tech, including the China Care Club and the GT CYBER program. Having recently completed a seven-year, $180,000 funding commitment to Georgia Tech’s Shenzhen campus, NACA pledged continued contributions to study-abroad programs designed to equip students with a broader perspective on globalization and international relations.
“NACA is committed to helping students in need at local universities in Georgia and to promoting the students' understanding of relations between the two countries,” said Lani Wong, chair of NACA.
The gala, a fusion of tradition and philanthropy, treated attendees to vibrant lion dance performances and classical Chinese dance, reinforcing the spirit of cultural celebration alongside the organization’s dedication to fostering cross-cultural exchange.
