Garlin Gilchrist III drew major attention when he walked into the annual Blood of the Dragon fundraiser hosted by the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce.
Michigan’s lieutenant governor was at the event to show support for the chamber, but also to demonstrate support for the state’s Asian-American population which, according to the most recent American Community Survey stands at some 319,000.
“It’s the fastest-growing community in Michigan, and one of the most vibrant,” Gilchrist said. “We want to make sure the state is being a good partner and supporting this community.”
That was the point of the fundraiser, held at Huntington Tower in downtown Detroit. The event raises funds through sponsorships, including major sponsorships from companies like Stellantis, Comerica and Huntington Bank – which donated the venue.
The event raised $25,000 through the generosity of those sponsors, and featured an evening of dining, speeches and entertainment. Vietnamese and Bollywood dance troupes provided the entertainment. The event drew more than 150 people, many decked out in the event’s signature red colors.
The funding will be used to support chamber programming that helps small Asian businesses.
“People want to be able to get out, connect with other people, do some networking and wear their red,” Duc Nguyen Abrahamson, executive director of APACC, said with a smile. “It’s a night of culture and entertainment.”
APACC is a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to the economic advancement of Asian Pacific American businesses and professionals. According to Abrahamson, the chamber represents more than 30 Asian and Asian-Pacific countries.
“We’re the collective voice for those countries,” Abrahamson said.
David Roden, who retired from Comerica in 2017, was one of the guests sporting the event’s signature color, donning a red tie and red pants, and even adding a pair of red socks.
He said it was all to show support for the chamber and for the community.
“I work with the Asian and Korean population,” said Roden, an honorary consul for the Republic of Korea. “I know APACC, I know their credibility. They’re well-established in the community and they do good work.”
Leigh Ann Koloski was invited to the Blood of the Dragon fundraiser when she attended a diversity-themed event hosted by Stellantis. She saw the fundraiser as a “great opportunity” to do some networking.
“I’m showing support and making friends,” said Koloski, a sales manager for Tianma Automotive in Troy. “It’s a great opportunity to meet people face-to-face.”
Along with a group of Vietnamese dancers, entertainment was provided by three Bollywood-style dancers from the Rhythm Arts Dance Academy in Troy. The performance gave the academy a chance to get dancers in front of a whole new set of eyes.
“It’s a fun time for us,” said Advik Madhukar, who danced along with Gia Vidyanandan and Diya Srirajakalidindi. “We get to perform in front of new audiences.”
Abrahamson said while the Blood of the Dragon event is a fundraiser, it’s more importantly an opportunity for Asian, American and Pacific Islanders in businesses to “connect with the corporations that support them.”
“It’s really about making those meaningful connections and creating relationships that are going to move our economy forward,” Abrahamson said.
