Recap of the CABS 2024 Chinese New Year Gala
Date: February 4, 2024 @ 8:00 am – March 17, 2024 @ 11:59 pm
Location:
Lunar New Year is the most important holiday celebrated by Chinese and other Asian communities globally. On February 4th, 2024, despite having the worst storm in a year in the San Francisco Bay Area, more than 250 members and friends of Chinese American Bio/Pharmaceutical Society (CABS) gathered at the Foster City Recreation Center to celebrate the beginning of the Year of Dragon. As a tradition of CABS, this gala was hosted by its Social Life Committee, featuring a wide variety of spectacular live cultural performances, traditional Chinese cuisine, and auspicious wishes.
The attendees were first greeted with vibrant decorations of red lanterns, hand-written couplets and many other festive ornaments as they entered the venue. The gala was then kicked off and livened up by the rhythmic beats and energetic movement of a traditional Chinese waist drum folk dance, symbolizing the expression of joy, luck, unity and prosperity for the new year.
There were 20 different performances at the Gala, including classical folk dances, contemporary dance, Jazz, Latin and break dances, martial arts, singings, qipao runway show, traditional Chinese stand-up comedy, as well as both modern and classical string instrument performances. The program was graciously delivered by more than 100 performers from the Bay Area, showcasing the generosity and talents of the community, as well as the rich heritage and diversity in Chinese culture.
While indulging in the dazzling performances, attendees were served with authentic Chinese dishes that symbolizes longevity, abundance, and fortune according to the Chinese Spring Festival traditions. Throughout the event, attendees were highly engaged in cultural activities such as calligraphy, learning different forms of Chinese characters and bringing home their favorite couplets expressing best wishes. At the other side of the venue, attendees were provided with opportunities to meet with our sponsors, learn about their products and services, and receive the unique giveaways.
During intermissions, 10 New Year gifts, including two grand prizes of gift card, were given out to winners from three rounds of “Lucky Draw”. The winners were picked out by the two co-chairs of the Social Life Committee, Ms. Li Wang and Ms. Katherine Guan, and distinguished guests including sponsors and the founding president of CABS, Dr. Keting Chu.
Whether it’s a festive gala, a cultural celebration or a networking event, the CABS Chinese New Year Gala provided a dynamic platform for attendees to explore the roots of Chinese culture with their family and friends, while expanding their professional connections with new friends.
CABS would like to extend its sincere appreciation to all volunteers, members, and participants for their support to make this event a huge success. A special shout-out to Li Wang, who dedicated tremendous time and effort to make this event possible. This event was sponsored by Apobridge CPA Firm, GenScript, HungryPanda, New York Life Insurance and QuanMol Tech. Thank you all for your support and we wish you joy, prosperity and success in the Year of the Dragon! Hope to see you again next year!
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