AKAM GALA 2023 Program

6:30 pm 8:00 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm

Cocktail hour

Dinner Program

Introduction and Welcome - Benjamin Choi

Acknowledgment of Past Presidents - Benjamin Choi

Welcome address by President - Christina J Seo

Congratulatory speech - Jennifer Lee (KAMA)

Congratulatory speech - Alex Kim (KAMPANY)

Sponsor presentation

Horse Races!

Raffles and prizes

DJ - Nak

Dessert & Dancing

Contents

President's Letter

AKAM Gala Committee

AKAM Past Presidents

AKAM Year-In-Review

Our Sponsors

Letter From The President

Dear AKAM Members and Guests, To the members and supporters of AKAM,

It has been a difficult last few years, through the pandemic and with it the inability to come together as a community. Our lives and professions have been greatly affected as we adjust to a new reality. Through it all, we have persevered with a hope that things will come back to a state resembling what we would consider to be the new normal. While we have not quite come to that yet, it is good to be able to be together again for our final event of the year.

This past year, we had a joint dinner with PSN, with an in-depth discussion of cancer genetics, utilizing cutting edge science to track and follow progression of disease. It was the first such event in a very long time and it was wonderful to see all the attendees.

In the summer, we had a wine tasting hosted by the deprecatingly named Cork Dorks, led by Paul Han and Chang Bae Son. A wide assortment of vintage was enjoyed by our guests and distributed by our resident experts. A $1000 bottle of wine was offered as the grand prize of the evening, won by Ms. Veronica Oh.

This fall we had our annual golf outing after a 3-year hiatus at the Haworth Country Club. The event was arranged by Mark Choi and headlined by Ben Choi on an afternoon with perfect weather. Ben ran a fantastic auction of items ranging from threesomes at prestigious golf courses to foot cream. All in all it was a successful event, thanks to great sponsorship support and generous donations.

We as an association contributed to the Vision Care USA event last week. It was their 6th annual Local Eye Camp in Bayside, where free eye examinations are offered to mostly uninsured Korean and Asian communities in the greater NY area. Some will be lucky enough to have their cataract surgeries for free as well.

Our community has evolved since its inception in 1997. Initially a social and networking group, we now offer scholarships and support local groups that serve our Korean population. The needs of our members are changing as well, so it would be good for our organization to shift with our times. In the coming days, I hope for everyone’s support and assistance for all that comes next.

Tonight let’s raise a glass to our year back from the pandemic! Hope you enjoy this evening!

With all best wishes,

Christina J. Seo, MD President of AKAM The 2023 AKAM GALA

Akam Gala Committee