The Hong Kong Association of Washington Foundation (HKAW) celebrated the 2012 Chinese Lunar New Year – the year of the dragon – with a stellar gala Saturday night at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel.

This year’s beneficiary was WISE, Washington’s Initiative for Supported Employment School to Work program, which provides employment opportunities for those who have developmental disabilities. Auctioneer John Curley had the patrons bidding often.

Gala guests included Brad Owen, lieutenant governor for the State of Washington; Attorney General Rob McKenna; and King County Executive Dow Constantine.

Other highlight’s of the evening included a video greeting from Ambassador Gary Locke and his wife, Mona, from their new home in Beijing; a traditional Chinese Lion Dance by David Leong Shaolin of the Kung Fu School; a stunning fashion show of 40 gowns designed by couture designer Luly Yang; along with guest performances by famous Chinese Jing Hu artist Lucy Wu and Geoffrey Castle, a pioneer on the electric six-string rock violin.

The Hong Kong association is a non-profit with a network of more than 12,000 members, spanning over 30 countries around the globe. Its goal is to locally network, develop and strengthen professional opportunities for Washington state businesses who want to do business in Hong Kong and China. They also strive to maintain the Chinese cultural interest of Hong Kong in our state.