ANNUAL DINNER & AUCTION

SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025
5 - 9 PM

Wing Luke Legacies: Celebrating community advocacy at the Sheraton Seattle

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Saturday, March 22, 2025
5 - 9 PM
Sheraton Grand Seattle: Grand Ballroom on Level 2

5:00 PM General Reception, Silent Auction & Live Preview

6:30 PM Dinner and Live Auction

Legacy. It is the long-lasting impact of actions a person commits to during their lifetime. Our namesake, Wing Chong Luke, who would have turned 100 in 2025, left an incredible legacy—one full of strength, determination, and advocacy that continues to inspire the Museum today. A tireless civil rights champion, he was the first Asian American elected to public office in King County and the first Chinese American elected to Seattle City Council. Today, policies around fair housing and Indigenous fishing rights that he enacted in his time are still in effect. Wing also played a critical role in preserving some of the city’s most cherished historic landmarks, including Pike Place Market.

The Museum is honored to be named after Wing Luke. We have been encouraged and inspired to continue his commitment to historical preservation and community advocacy since we opened in 1967. It is through our nationally recognized work in creating dynamic, community-driven exhibitions and programs that we remain a passionate steward of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander culture, art, and heritage.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate Wing Luke’s life and his contributions to the city of Seattle and the Chinatown-International District. It is with his spirit that the Museum will continue to thrive now and for generations to come.

All event proceeds benefit the programs and facilities of the Wing Luke Museum.

REGISTER FOR THE 2025 DINNER AND AUCTION

Photos by TNP

PROGRAM

EMCEE: MICHELLE LI

Michelle Li is an award-winning, veteran journalist and former KING 5 anchor who co-launched the Very Asian Foundation, after her response to a racist voicemail became a global movement of unity. Michelle now serves Seattle schools and local creatives in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, having launched numerous social justice programs such as the The May Book Project, the Very Asian Creators Microgrant Program, children in foster care, and often covering topics related to race or gender inequities.

SPEAKER: GOVERNOR BOB FERGUSON

Bob Ferguson is a fourth-generation Washingtonian and son of a public school teacher and Boeing employee. Bob has lived and worked on both sides of the mountains, starting his legal career in Spokane. He’s been standing up to powerful interests that don’t play by the rules and achieving big victories for Washington families.

SPEAKER: RON CHEW

Ron Chew was Executive Director of the Wing Luke Museum from 1991 to 2007 and spearheaded a $23 million capital campaign to transform the historic Kong Yick building into its current home. He is the the author of the memoir "My Unforgotten Seattle," and serves as a trustee of the Seattle Public Library and president of the Washington state chapter of AARP.

AUCTIONEER: SASHA SUMMER COUSINEAU

Sasha Summer Cousineau, owner of Revel Rouser events, is a fundraising auctioneer, gala emcee, wedding officiant, fundraising and event planning consultant based in Seattle, WA. Sasha believes her clients make up the heart and moral compass of our communities which is why she is living her "OccuPassion" every time she gets to serve local non-profit organizations and education institutions.

READER: VIPER FENGZ

VIPER FENGZ is a local Vietnamese drag queen coming up in the growing ballroom scene. Known for her polished makeup artistry, enchanting performances, and old school wit, she has quickly become a key player in the Seattle Nightlife; with notable appearances in Guinness World Records, International Film Festival, and various iconic pride events! With a mission to elevate queer POC talent, she’s here to create and celebrate spaces where we all be superstars.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: TOKA VALU

This illustration is a loving tribute to the life and enduring contributions of the late Wing Luke. At the center, Wing Luke is planting a peach tree sapling, a symbol for his visionary leadership that laid foundations for future generations to lead and thrive.

Surrounding Wing Luke are iconic landmarks of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (C-ID): the Historic Chinatown Gate, Maneki in Japantown, the Wing Luke Museum, and the Little Saigon Station Icon. Each of these icons continues to stand today, indicative of his dedication to urban renewal and historic preservation.

The dragon puppet adds a celebratory spirit, honoring the communities that continue to thrive in the C-ID today. Woven throughout are blue, ethereal clouds (Chinese textile design inspired) adorned with Tongan ngatu (decorated Tongan mulberry barkcloth) patterns, a nod to my heritage and symbolic of ancestors and leaders who’ve come before and will continue to contribute to Wing Luke’s legacy. The piece is set against coarse paper texture, a fitting backdrop for the continued cultivation of collective storytelling and community placemaking. This work celebrates the interconnected narratives of the diverse C-ID communities and the profound impact of Wing Luke, whose vision continues to bear fruit for generations to come.

A Great Tree, One Day. Toka Valu

Toka Valu is a dynamic multidisciplinary artist whose work is deeply rooted in his Tongan heritage, blending cultural storytelling with contemporary design. His work explores the Tongan concept of "vā," the relational space that connects people and places, guiding his process. With a focus on public art and commission illustration work, Toka’s portfolio includes intricate murals, sculptural installations, and digital art, often featuring Tongan & Pacific Islander motifs that honor his ancestry while inviting the engagement of diverse audiences. Toka's commitment to collaboration and community impact makes him a powerful creative partner for organizations looking to make meaningful visual statements but his most cherished role is as a dedicated partner to his wife and father to two joyful children.

LIVE AND SILENT AUCTION

Rumors are buzzing about the incredible art, wine, and special experiences we’ve lined up for this year’s auction! Please check back as we sneak peek auction items!

SILENT AUCTION: you do not need to be a registered guest to bid. The Silent Auction will be open and available to all online.

LIVE AUCTION & RAFFLE: You must be a registered guest to bid in the Live Auction & Raffle. The Live Auction & Raffle will take place at the Sheraton, but “cannot be there” guests will have the opportunity to bid in the Live Auction via proxy bidding.

If you are interested in learning more about proxy bidding, please contact us below:

CONTACT AUCTION@WINGLUKE.ORG