The Asian American Arts Alliance honored actor Kal Penn, designer Willa Kim and Music Exec. Eric Wong at the Asian American Arts Alliance’s 25th anniversary gala, held at the Tribeca rooftop on Tuesday, October 16, 2007.

“We are hoping to raise $200,000 to promote American Asian artists, towards funding for grants and technical assistance,” says executive director Lillian Cho.

Notable guests included gala co-chair and Law & Order: SUV actor B.D. Wong, Heroes star James Kyson Lee, gala emcee and comic Azhar Usman, comic Margaret Cho, gala co-char and MTV executive Nusrat Durrani, Tony Award winning Broadway legend Tommy Tune and singer Cassie.

The gala was filled with sincere honor, praise and encouragement from dedicated artists and entertainers in attendance. “I got my start in the industry during high school, interning for a record label,” explains Eric Wong, Chief Marketing Officer of Bad Boy Entertainment and Senior Vice President of Marketing for Atlantic Records. Wong encourages anyone interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment & industry to follow their dreams and remain focused. When asked what he finds to be the most challenging in the industry today, he responds with, “Technology, innovation and staying on top of ever-changing trends.”

Eric Wong, Nusrat Durrani, B. D. Wong ? and Willa Kim