Asian Hall of Fame Sets Seattle Founders Gala

Asian Hall of Fame, an interracial platform, will hold its sold-out Founders Gala on August 14, 2026, at the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle. The black-tie benefit supports scholarships for its Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports Program. The organization reports more than $4 million in community impact and 2,054 jobs, grants, and fellows championed. Former U.S. Ambassador to China and Washington State Governor Gary Locke will present welcome remarks.

Program And Entertainment

The red carpet preshow begins at 4:30 p.m. and includes St. John Rack, Louis Vuitton Purse Baskets, and a pop-up boutique. Inductee Kristen Lui will customize Build-A-Box gifts featuring Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Cartier items.

The dinner program runs from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Musical guests include inductee Hiro Yamamoto of Soundgarden, classical artist Maki Mae, Derek Chinn, and Ed Roth, Goodwill Ambassador 2021. Molly Shen, an Emmy Award-winning KOMO News anchor, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Inductions And Awards

Seattle philanthropist Jerry Lee, an original member of the AHOF Founding Committee, and his wife Charlene Lee will be inducted. Omar and Christine Lee will present the induction.

Port Commissioner Sam Cho will present Sapphire Awards to Jon and Bobbe Bridge and Mike Flood, representing Seattle Seahawks. Global Council Founder Mary Knell will present to Robert Chinn Foundation visionaries Karen Wong, Letitia Fong, Aaron Olson, Taylor Safstrom, and Kevin Safstrom of Boeing.

Scholarships At The Center

Guests will receive souvenir stamp books, raffle tickets, and memoirs from Soundgarden inductee Kim Thayil. Title sponsors include Melinda Rogers, TAO, Wells Fargo, Omar and Christine Lee, and Gobo Enterprises. Asian Hall of Fame said the benefit does not use a live auction, raise the paddle, or dessert dash for fundraising.