Michael Tow, president of the New Boston Financial and member of the

Michael Tow, president of the New Boston Financial and member of the Asian Community Development Corporation board of directors; Mary Chin, president of the ACDC board; Monalisa Smith, vice president of Citizens Bank Massachusetts; and Jerry Sargent, president of Citizens Bank Massachusetts pose at the reception. Smith was among the 2012 AACA Community Service Award recipients.

By Boston.com

The Asian American Civic Association recently hosted its 45th annual gala, raising $225,000 to help the agency continue to expand its social services, English classes, and workforce development programs for immigrants and the economically disadvantaged.

The event, titled Their Courage to Be New, drew 500 guests, including many elected officials and leaders in the local Asian-American community, to the Boston Park Plaza Hotel on May 18.

The evening included a dinner, live auction, and entertainment from the dragon dance troupe of the Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association and a jazz performance by saxophone prodigy Grace Kelly.

At the event, the civic association presented awards recognizing members of the local community who have helped create opportunities for immigrants and citizens living in poverty.

Boston City Councilor Bill Linehan and his neighborhood liaison James Chan at the reception.

Chau-ming Lee, executive director of the AACA; Joe Riley, executive vice president of Eastern Bank; Jerry Sargent, president of Citizens Bank Massachusetts; and Mary Chin, president of the AACA board, pose for a picture before entering the ballroom of the Boston Park Plaza Hotel.

http://articles.boston.com/2012-05-22/yourtown/31815159_1_board-executive-director-immigrants