Showcasing these young designers is only one way that the CASL has helped Chicagoans build new and greater futures. This year's event will celebrate the theme, "Building Dreams, Housing Futures. The theme reflects the agency's work as a HUD-certified Housing Counseling Center; it is the only agency in Chicago providing counseling in all housing issues in Chinese.
Now in its 30th year of service, the CASL calls upon Chicago's top business leaders to help the agency continue to meet growing needs, so that it may be able to continue to provide outstanding services to the community. Held in conjunction with the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the event is expected to attract more than 500 leaders from Chicago's business community, and hopes to raise approximately $275,000. Scott C. Swanson, President and CEO, Charter One Bank, is serving as Dinner Chair.
Founded in 1978, and now in its 30th year of service, the Chinese American Service League, Inc. is the Midwest's largest and most comprehensive social service agency of its type. Housed in the architecturally award-winning Kam L. Liu Building, CASL's over 280 dedicated bilingual and bicultural staff and 300 volunteers annually serve over 17,000 clients. CASL's $8.3 million budget funds programs that range from job training and child care to financial education and senior health screening. CASL helps families and individuals attain self-sufficiency through services that strengthen their physical, economic and mental well-being. CASL is a United Way partner social service agency located in the heart of Chicago's Chinatown at 2141 South Tan Court at Princeton Avenue). For more information, contact (312) 791-0418 or adminis@caslservice.org or visit www.caslservice.org.
The dinner will be held Thursday, May 8 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Cocktail reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. The reception will feature hors d'oeuvres prepared by CASL's renowned Chef Training Program. Created in 1985, the CASL Chef Training Program has placed more than 1,000 graduates at many fine institutions throughout Chicagoland. Additionally, the evening features live entertainment, and the usual outstanding Silent Auction and Raffle. ABC7's Linda Yu, is a long-time CASL Advisory Board Chair, will appear at the benefit.
Designers featured on ABC 7:
Cyndi Chan - Malabar Boutique, 1880 N. Damen, Chicago, IL 606047, 773.321.6685, www.malabarboutique.com
Michelle Tan - Michelle Tan, 1872 N. Damen, Chicago, IL 60647, 773.252.1888, www.michelletan.com
Medini Joshi - available at Helen Yi, 1645 N. Damen, Chicago, IL 60647, 773.252.3838, www.helenyi.com or directly from Medini at 815.464.6111
Anna Fong - available at Casa de Soul, 1919 W. Division, Chicago, IL 60622, 773.252.2520 or directly from Anna at www.anna-fong.com
Additional designers in the CASL show:
• Calvin Tran (www.calvintran.com)
• Kevin Vong (www.kevinvong.com)
• Sujata Gazder (www.sujatagazder.com)
• Vatit Virashpanth & Itthi Metanee (www.vatititthi.com)
