The Honorable Charles C. Foster - Honorary Consul General of Thailand - Honorary Chair & The Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA)cordially invite you to the APAHA 13th Anniversary Gala honoring Former President George H.W. Bush and Recipients of the APA Achievement Awards. Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. Sushi Reception by Tokyo Gardens Ethnic or Formal attire Silent Auction/Dinner/Program RSVP card enclosed The Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA) celebrates our 13th year Anniversary by highlighting the accomplishments and achievements of Houston’s Asian/Pacific Americans. In addition, APAHA recognizes the many individual community, and corporate contributors that support our annual celebration events and educational outreach programs. In 2005, APAHA will be honoring the country of Japan and the contributions of the Japanese American community. APAHA will also present APA Achievement Awards to local Asian/Pacific American leaders as highlighted by President Bush, upon signing House Resolution 5572 into public law, designating May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month: “Much as others who have come to our shores, Asian Pacific Americans came here seeking freedom and yearning for the American Dream. And like other immigrants, Asian Pacific Americans are finding it -- in the arts, in business, in science, in public service -- across the spectrum of achievement.” - President George H.W. Bush Statement on Signing Legislation Establishing Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month on Oct. 23, 1992. 2005 APA Achievement Award Recipients (in alphabetical order): Commander Leroy Chiao: Science N.A.S.A. Astronaut since 1991: Space Station Commander, Space Station Science Officer and Space Shuttle Mission Specialist. Donna F. Cole: Business Founder & CEO of Cole Chemical and Distributing Inc. Current profits $80 million/year, her five-year plan is to grow her company to $1 billion, establish an ESOP and take the company public. Glen Gondo: Community Service President–Elect of the Japan-America Society of Houston, Chairman of the Annual Japan Festival at Hermann Park, Capital Campaign Co-Chairman Asia House (Asia Society Texas Center). Gigi Huang: Philanthropy A noted Chinese American philanthropist and fundraiser. Rathna Kumar, Ph.D: Arts Director of Anjali, Center for Indian Performing Arts, Houston, Texas, USA and Artistic Director, the Anjali Dance Company besides being the Artistic Director, SAMSKRITI Society for Indian Performing Arts (a nonprofit organization).