On October 5, 2019, Kundiman celebrated its 16th year of enriching readers and writers of Asian American literature at Ace Hotel NYC! With the support of our attendees, we raised $13,458.00 in a single night as we honored Meena Alexander's legacy with our "A Night in the Garden" theme. That brought us to $36,232.75 raised through the benefit, a stunning success.
Poetry fellow Purvi Shah chats with another guest.
Decorated with floral garlands, lanterns, verdant foliage and succulents, Liberty Hall became Kundiman’s lush oasis where we celebrated our Asian American literary lineage. The event theme explored what it means to tend fertile ground through the cycle of reflection, cultivation, and harvesting the fruits of our labor, be it vegetables or a bountiful community! The hall was filled with fellows, family, and friends, a testament to how our garden is thriving.
Poetry fellow Andie Millares chats with Kundiman faculty member Kimiko Hahn.
Patrons ND Chan and wife Agata Dooreck at our step-and-repeat arbor.
Master of Ceremonies Nina Sharma led the speaking program, warmly proclaiming that “Kundiman is home. So welcome home, everyone.” Her enthusiasm and humor lit up the room with excitement.
Nina Sharma opens our speaking program.
Diya Mehta, a participant in Kundiman’s Youth Leadership Intensive, affirmed Sharma’s radical feelings of welcome, sharing that “being Asian can be so many things. It was really fun to be in a room with so many people who understood that part of me.”
Diya Mehta shares her experience at Kundiman’s Youth Leadership Intensive.
Nawaaz Ahmed declared that as a fellow, Kundiman grew to be his haven. This sentiment echoed throughout the room as community members made sighs of assent. Weaving threads of visibility, community, and legacy, Nina Sharma introduced our honorees: Jin Auh, Jeffrey Yang, and Meena Alexander.
Fiction fellow Nawaaz Ahmed provides a testimonial.
Jin Auh revealed that growing up as an Asian American created the context that drove her to advocacy, to ensure that "all voices are heard" as a literary agent at the Wylie Agency. Jeffrey Yang’s heartfelt speech conjured Meena Alexander’s spirit as he closed with an excerpt from her poetry. Kimiko Hahn, a colleague and dear friend of Meena Alexander, spoke of Meena’s legacy and the power of her writing. We are so thankful for the energy and thoughtfulness of our speakers and so grateful to all our honorees for their tremendous contributions to Asian American literature.
Honoree Jeffrey Yang shares a few words with our guests.
Kimiko Hahn, friend and colleague of honoree Meena Alexander, speaks on Meena’s behalf.
Kundiman fellow Swati Khurana read tarot cards to assist guests in forecasting and planning to cultivate the self. Our garden metaphor became a reality with a wildflower seed card station, where guests were able to write personalized letters onto seed paper, planting them into their own pots!
Fellow Swati Khurana demonstrates tarot with poetry fellow Chen Chen.
Guests draft new intentions at the seed card station.
This year’s silent auction overflowed with original artwork, handmade jewelry, and tickets to unique events, such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the Giants vs. Packers game at MetLife Stadium. Celebrating with laughter, conversations, and the night’s nurturing activities, we closed Kundiman’s successful 16th year.
Patrons John Hagen and Sarah Gambito excited over Silent Auction goodies.
Kundiman champion, Dean Maura Mast with her husband Jack Reynolds.
Thank you so much to all who have supported Kundiman throughout our sixteen years thus far. Without you, we could not continue to pave the way for Asian American readers and writers. Your dedication, devotion, and love is deeply felt as we tend to our garden!
Board member Chia-Chee Chiu shares a few words on Kundiman’s impact.
Special thanks to our board members, the Benefit Committee, and volunteers for cultivating this event. Thank you to the Ace Hotel and staff for hosting us again this year, Lagunitas for their delicious beer, and the Breslin for filling our bellies with food and lavender cocktails.
Volunteer Benefit staff making this dream come true. Pictured are Development intern Edsel Engalla (center) and Communications intern Helli Fang (right of center).
