Asian Hall of Fame Amplifies Impact at Founders Gala

Aug 19

Seattle philanthropists Jerry and Charlene Lee inducted at sold-out benefit

SEATTLE/August 19, 2026 – Founded in Seattle, legacy platform Asian Hall of Fame (AHOF) amplified community impact at its Founders Gala on August 14 at the Washington Athletic Club. Philanthropists Jerry and Charlene Lee were inducted into Class of 2026 by fellow Inductees Omar and Christine Lee ahead of the upcoming Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles this November. Emmy Award-winning anchor Molly Shen of KOMO News served as Master of Ceremonies.

The induction of former MG2 CEO Jerry Lee and his wife Charlene Lee highlighted their longstanding commitment to philanthropy and community leadership in Seattle. Notably, Jerry Lee is among the four founding committee members instrumental in conceptualizing the Asian Hall of Fame.

Local sponsors that made the benefit possible were Microsoft, Gobo Enterprises, Omar and Christine Lee, Mary Knell, Jon and Bobbe Bridge, Aaron Olson, Derek Chinn, and Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. The event funded AHOF’s Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports Scholarships for women of all racial backgrounds. Washington recipients were Samantha Rosales (Native Indian College), Stormy Woodenlegs-Boling (Native Indian College), and Brianna Pavan Lopez (Washington High School).

Amplifying Seattle’s distinctive soundscape were Goodwill Ambassador Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) and Inductee Kim Thayil (Soundgarden) who signed first edition memoirs for guests. Musical Director Ed Roth performed with Inductee Hiro Yamamoto (Soundgarden), Inductee Daniel Pak (Totem Star), Maki Mae (America’s Got Talent), Ben Smith (Heart), Danny Godinez (Heart), and Derek Chinn.

To recognize five years of consecutive contributions to AHOF, Port of Seattle Commissioner and Inductee Sam Cho presented Sapphire Awards to Jon and Bobbe Bridge and Mike Flood, representing the Seattle Seahawks. Global Council Founder Mary Knell presented to AHOF Founder Robert Chinn Foundation accepted by Karen Wong, Letitia Fong, Aaron Olson,and Taylor Safstrom.

Raffle prizes were donated by Inductee Jacqueline Yang, Seattle SuperHawks Team Owner and President; Washington Athletic Club, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Inductee David Wasielewski, Managing Partner of Din Tai Fung. Natalie Worthy (Miss Washington 2026), Amber Elizabeth Pike (Miss Washington 2025) and Amanda Hoang (Miss Bellevue 2023) drew the winning prizes.

Distinguished guests were TECO Seattle; Seattle SuperHawks Team Owner Pierre Crockrell Sr; Inductee Jonathan Sposato of Seattle Magazine; Inductee Kristen Lui (St. John); Emmy Award-winner Mimi Gan; Dalma Ashby (Miss Emerald City 2026), and Maricres Castro (Miss Washington International 2021).

Official Photos: https://asianhalloffame.pixieset.com/foundersgala2026/

Philanthropists Jerry (second from the right) and Charlene Lee (second from the left) were inducted into Class of 2026 at Asian Hall of Fame's Founders Gala, ahead of the upcoming Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles this November. [Photo Credit: Jay Abril]

About Asian Hall of Fame

HONOR LEGACY. ADVANCE PROSPERITY.
Established in 2004, Asian Hall of Fame is a cultural, educational, and research institution dedicated to advancing Asian and Indigenous legacy in the United States and globally.

For more information, contact press@asianhalloffame.org | (626) 600-9418

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