In addition to the dinner program honoring the awardees, several distinguished guests addressed the many attendees during the reception hour. They included Representative Tom Davis, Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and U.S. Congressman from the 11th District of Virginia; Terry McAuliffe, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee; and Helen Samhan, Executive Director of the Arab American Institute Foundation and member of the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission.

The four Korean Americans honored that evening were recognized for their exceptional leadership and contributing to the advancement of Korean American interests in their respective fields. The Honorable Shinae Chun, the highest-ranking Korean American appointee in the Bush Administration, received the 2001 Special Recognition Award for her dedication to public service and to recognize her many ¡°first ever¡± achievements in state and federal government on behalf of Asian and Korean Americans. Angela Kim, Deputy Director of the D.C. Lottery, presented the award to Mrs. Chun.

The 2001 Community Service Award was presented to Mrs. Dongwoo Lee Hahm, former Chairperson of the Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues, Inc. (WCCW). She was recognized for her tireless efforts to bring attention and support to thousands of women who were victimized by the injustices brought by Japanese soldiers during World War II. Representative Lane Evans (D-IL), along with WCCW President Dr. Ok Cha Soh, presented the award to Mrs. Hahm.

The 2001 Business Leadership Award was presented to Jay Khim, Ph.D, Chairman and CEO, of JWK International Corp, for his exceptional achievements in today¡¯s high-tech corporate economy. Mr. Simon Lee of STG, Inc. presented the award to Dr. Khim.

The 2001 Arts/Entertainment Award was presented to Dominic Pangborn, President and CEO of Pangborn Design, Ltd., for his contributions and achievements as a graphic designer and artist. Mr. Pangborn was adopted into an American family as a ten-year old boy. Mr. Kyung Rhee of McDonald¡¯s Corp. presented the award to Mr. Pangborn.

Nearly 400 guests attended KAC-DC¡¯s First Annual Gala at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event continues the Korean American Alliance¡¯s (KAA) tradition of honoring Korean American individuals who share the two organizations¡¯ vision of community service, advocacy and empowerment.

KAC-DC extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to its corporate sponsors: Sallie Mae, Hanwha International, Verizon, The Washington Post, D.C. Lottery, JWK International, STG, Triple C Wholesalers, McDonalds Corp., SMI Holdings, State Farm, Office of Representative Tom Davis, Apro Construction Group, Southwestern Bell Company, and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

Community sponsors include the Korean American Scholarship Foundation, Korean American Family Counseling Center, Korean Central Presbyterian Church, Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership, Korean American Sharing Movement, Korean American Republicans of Northern Virginia, Washington Coalition on Comfort Women Issues, and AKA (Also Known As).