Five Unforgettable Highlights from Our Gala: Knots of Wisdom

An evening defined by connection, reflection and celebration, this year’s Gala, Knots of Wisdom: Threads of Legacy, Leaders of Change, was one of those nights you wish you could bottle up and relive.

While nothing compares to being in the room, we’re excited to share a glimpse of moments that made it unforgettable.

 

We begin with the heart of the evening: celebrating Linda Yu as the recipient of the CASL Lifetime Achievement Award.

As Chicago’s first Asian American broadcast journalist, Linda has spent decades uplifting stories that might otherwise go unheard. Her impact extends far beyond the newsroom- from helping CASL secure a permanent home to championing our work through her platform and leadership. Her legacy is one of visibility, advocacy and unwavering commitment to community, making this recognition especially meaningful.

Culture took center stage with a captivating Bian Lian mask-changing performance, leaving guests in awe.

Moving seamlessly through the room, the performer engaged each table with breathtaking speed and precision, transforming masks in an instant. Underwritten by Irene Zhanglin, the performance was both mesmerizing and deeply rooted in tradition—a moment of shared wonder that brought the room together.

A quiet but powerful presence throughout the evening, the Gratitude Tree invited guests to pause and reflect.

Adorned with soft pink blooms and handwritten messages, each note expressed appreciation for Linda’s lasting influence—from her groundbreaking representation in media to the personal connections she has built within the community. Together, these messages formed a living tribute, illustrating the depth and reach of her impact.

Energy filled the room during the live auction, as guests bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences—from Tuscany to Costa Rica.

But beyond the excitement, each raised paddle represented something greater: a shared commitment to CASL’s mission. Every bid directly supports programs serving immigrants, families, older adults and children across our community. It was a powerful reminder that generosity fuels impact—and that this work is made possible by those who believe in it.

During the night, guests were surprised with a video message from Herman So, whose story is closely tied to one of Linda’s earliest connections with CASL. Years ago, he arrived in Chicago as a young immigrant under heartbreaking circumstances. Separated from his father and sister, he was navigating a new country while caring for his terminally ill mother—facing uncertainty, grief and isolation all at once.

CASL’s founder, Bernie Wong, stepped in to support the family during this critical time, working tirelessly to reunite them before it was too late. Knowing the urgency of their situation, she turned to Linda Yu to help amplify their story.

Linda answered that call. By bringing visibility to Herman’s experience, she helped mobilize the attention and support needed to make reunification possible—marking the beginning of a lasting partnership between her and CASL, and a powerful example of how storytelling can drive real change.

Hearing directly from Herman, years later, was a powerful full circle moment—one that reflected the very essence of the evening: legacy, leadership and lasting change.

While this year’s Gala may be over, the spirit of the evening continues in the work ahead—and in the moments still to come.

If you missed this celebration, we hope you’ll join us for our next signature event, Cultural Voices: Seeds of Impact, where we’ll continue uplifting stories from Chicago’s Asian American business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Be part of what’s next. Learn more about Cultural Voices.

Check out the full event photo gallery and photobooth gallery for our 2026 Gala!