2024 Golden Gala Retrospective
Golden Gala 2024: Celebrating 50 Years of Service and Community Impact
Pacific Gateway Center’s Golden Gala on October 5, 2024, was a night of joy, remembrance, and profound gratitude, marking 50 years of unwavering service to Hawaii’s diverse and resilient communities. This significant milestone brought together a wonderful gathering of government officials, community partners, board members, staff, donors, representatives from our founding churches, members of the ‘ohana of Mary Lee Ho—Hawaii’s guiding light in refugee services—and our cherished clients. Each of you who joined us has played a meaningful role in our journey and the transformative impact we have been able to achieve together.
The evening was alive with expressions of gratitude, uplifting messages, and reflections on the power of community, unity, and compassion in transforming lives. From honoring our awardees and honorees to the vibrant cultural performances, each moment was rich with meaning. It was wonderful to see so many of you discovering value-added products and agricultural produce from our immigrant-led small businesses and farms, hearing our clients’ stories, and connecting with both long-time friends and new supporters. The spirit of aloha and appreciation filled the room, celebrating our collective mission to transform the lives of refugees, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations across Hawaii and the Pacific.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped bring this Gala to life. To those who joined us in person, your presence made the night unforgettable; and for those unable to attend, please know your support was deeply felt. We are incredibly grateful for each of you who has stood beside us over these 50 years, helping ensure that PGC’s work remains a lifeline for those we serve.
Together, we look forward to creating an even brighter and more inclusive future for all in Hawaii.
MARKETPLACE VENDORS
Featuring business clients from Pacific Gateway Center’s Two Key Programs:
Culinary Business Incubator
Aunty Nani’s Hawaiian Cookies
Chibi Confectionery LLC
All Things Sweett
Tatiana Flowers and Gifts
Sugarless Bites
USO Ono Food Wagon
Pacific Gateway Center Farms
Catalina Farm LLC, Catalina Quines, Owner
Oasis Aloha Farm, Yolie Tiburcio, Owner
Thai Farmers in Kunia, Nora Sisouthone, Owner
Together, let’s build a more inclusive Hawaii.
The Golden Gala was a celebration of Pacific Gateway Center’s 50 years of services. We have been honored to empower and uplift immigrants, refugees, and underserved residents across Hawai and the Pacific, creating opportunities for growth, belonging, and success.
Please join us on this journey - whether by making a donation, signing up for updates, or sharing our mission. With your support, we can ensure the next 50 years are filled with even more transformative impact and success stories.
We are deeply grateful for all the support helping us expand our reach, deepen our impact, and continue transforming lives.
MAHALO
Gala Committee
Hao Nguyen and Terrina Wong, Co-Chairs
Decor
Naomi Masuno, Fipe Pale, Analyn Sarian
Hospitality & Registration
Eden Arthur, Matthew Johnson, Suzanne Chun Oakland, Isabel Sanvictores, & the PGC Board
Live Program
Andrii Rozhok, Than Htut Aye, Hao Nguyen
Logistics
Hao Nguyen, Terrina Wong
Lucky Draw | Be a Changemaker
Carmencita Centeno, Jianelle Sacolles, Michael Yang
Marketplace
Ave A’asa, Bonarath Bory, & Nicole Cacal
Silent Auction
Alyssa Antolin, Kala Anitema, Emma Bell, Ethan Higa, Ann Ho, Nicole Kealoha, Jeannie Lum, Darlene Ogoshi, Fipe Pale, Amy Pham, & Terrina Wong
Table Settings/Centerpieces
Ann Ho, Camen Lee, Linda Lee, & Terrina Wong
Transportation
Ave A’asa, Actson Langbata, Matthew Johnson, Loel Tangonan, Richard Tangonan, Artemio Tapat
Photographer
Chris McDonough
Videographer
Kaimana Bolduc-Broadhurst
Volunteers
Inna Gunko, Ann Ho, Jeannie Lum, Darlene Ogoshi, Candice Sakuda & Iolani Students, Serhii Kovalenko, Elizabeth Shkolna, Michael Yang, & Olena Zhura
Honorary Chair
Jaime Green, First Lady of Hawai’i
Executive Director
Matthew Johnson
Pacific Gateway Center, Board of Directors
Gregory Pai, Ph.D | President
Darrin Sato | Vice President
Vicki Shambaugh | Secretary
Naomi Masuno | Treasurer
Ryan Catalani
Dorothy Douthit, Ph.D
Ryan Hew, Esq.
Josie Howard
Vincent Kimura
Suzanne Chun Oakland
Shana Palmieri
Performers
Gee Yun Lion Dance Association (Ken Kang)
Halau Hula ‘o Ikemanu (Kumu Hula Bradford Lum)
Sunrise International Dancers (Oksana Chernyuk)
Heilini Molitika, Tongan Dancer