Celebrating Culture & Community: Taste of Asia 2024 Raises nearly $1.4M

At Apex for Youth, we believe in the power of opportunity. On Tuesday, October 8th, we witnessed this power in action as New York City’’s AAPI community came together in an inspiring display of unity, culture, and generosity at Madison Square Park at Taste of Asia.

Spearheaded by visionary restaurateur Simon Kim, CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management (recipient of our 2023 Inspiration Award), and co-chaired by industry leaders Wen Zhou, Phillip Lim, and Michael Chung, the third Taste of Asia event wasn’t just another fundraiser – it was a celebration of our community’s resilience and spirit. Under the guidance of restaurant co-chair Jennifer Saesue, who thoughtfully curated an exceptional lineup of participating establishments, the event brought together 40 of New York’s finest restaurants and raised nearly $1.4 million to support both our mission at Apex for Youth and the Madison Square Park Conservancy.

What makes this event particularly meaningful is how it embodies the very essence of what we strive to teach our youth: when community comes together, extraordinary things are possible.

What makes this event particularly meaningful is how it embodies the very essence of what we strive to teach our youth: when community comes together, extraordinary things are possible.

From Michelin-starred establishments to beloved family-owned restaurants, the event showcased the diverse offerings of Asian cuisine in New York City.

“The AAPI community across New York City has come incredibly far with AAPI leaders across many disciplines,” reflected Michael Chung, co-chair of Taste of Asia. Yet, as he noted, there remains work to be done to “combat conflict and vulnerability in the community.” This reality underscores why events like Taste of Asia are so crucial – they not only celebrate our achievements but also strengthen the support systems that help our youth thrive.

The evening brought together an exciting mix of culinary talents, from the innovative dishes of COTE Korean Steakhouse and Potluck Club to the authentic flavors of Hainan Chicken House and Soothr. This diversity perfectly mirrors what we at Apex for Youth see in our students – unique individuals with vast potential, each bringing their own special contributions to our community.

As we continue our work of unlocking possibilities to Asian American youth from low-income and immigrant backgrounds in New York City, the success of Taste of Asia reminds us that we’re not alone in this journey. Thank you to the generous support of sponsors like Millennium Management, Genesis House, and many others who recognize the importance of investing in our youth’s future. Their contributions will help us continue our work with youth to expand their horizons and envision what’s possible for their lives.

To everyone who contributed to making this event a success – from the restaurants and sponsors to the attendees and volunteers – thank you for helping us in our pursuit of a better life for our youth and our community.

See more photos of the event here and we hope to see you there next year!

Please follow and support the wonderful restaurants and vendors that dedicated their talents and resources at Taste of Asia this year!