APIASF Scholarship Benefit guests make bids on silent auction items before the awards dinner.

The United States Navy Band Northeast entertains guests during the evening reception.

APIASF Board Member Erwin Furukawa, Walmart Corporate Affairs Constituent Relations Manager Shantu Roychoudhari, APIASF Board Member Nita Song, APIASF Board Chair Jacinta Titialii Abbott and APIASF Board Member Carol Jackson during the evening reception.

Members of the United States Navy with APIASF Board Member Michael Fung (center) during the evening reception.

APIASF Advisory Council Member and Scholarship Benefit Emcee, Sachi Koto, welcomes guests to the 2009 Scholarship Benefit.

The Freeport High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps opens the evening's festivities by presenting the colors.

More than 400 community members, government officials and corporate representatives gathered to recognize APIASF's Scholars and 2009 honorees.

APIASF Scholar Vinayak Shenoy presents an award of appreciation to Bill Lowe from ING in recognition of their support of the 2009 Scholarship Benefit.

APIASF Scholar Shwuyi Liu presents an award of appreciation to Patricia Roe from USA Funds in recognition of their support of the 2009 Scholarship Benefit.

Scholarship recipients Vinayak Shenoy, Shwuyi Liu and Hewett Chiu each shared how APIASF has impacted their lives.

APIASF Scholarship Benefit Committee Chair Tariq Khan, challenges guests to make a pledge to support Scholar programs and services. The two tables that pledged the most earned a an iPhone donated by AT&T or a camera donated by Sony for the APIASF Scholar serving as their table ambassador.

From left to right: APIASF Higher Education Award Winner Dr. Don Nakanishi, Washington State Senator Chris Marr, APIASF Scholarship Benefit Committee Chair Tariq Khan, APIASF Board Chair Jacinta Titialii and APIASF President & Executive Director Neil Horikoshi.

Guests applaud the remarks of Dr. Don Nakanishi as shared how important access to higher education is for young students.

New York Jets Defensive Tackle Sione Pouha and Actress Lauren Tom encourage guests to help students by participating in the pledge drive.

From left to right: Executive Vice President of International Business for Sony Television Asia Rajan Singh, DLA Piper US Chief People Officer Clarissa Peterson, APIASF Scholarship Benefit Committee Chair Tariq Khan, APIASF Board Chair Jacinta Titialii and APIASF President & Executive Director Neil Horikoshi. Ms. Peterson accepted the APIASF Inspiring Dreams award on behalf of DLA Piper US.

Cynthia Brinkley, Senior Vice President - Talent Development and Chief Diversity Officer accepts the APIASF Excellence in Education Award on behalf of AT&T.

APIASF Scholarship Benefit guests during the awards program at the APIASF Scholarship Benefit.

From left to right: Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Branding for ING Tom Waldron, APIASF Scholarship Benefit Committee Chair Tariq Khan, Walmart Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Tom Mars, APIASF Board Chair Jacinta Titialii and APIASF President & Executive Director Neil Horikoshi. Mr. Mars accepted the APIASF Excellence in Education award on behalf of Walmart.

Tom Mars, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Walmart, shared his own personal story and why he is dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to access a high quality college education.

Metropolitan Opera Singer Hao Jiang Tian performs a special number with one of his students during the program.

Metropolitan Opera Singer Hao Jiang Tian performs a special number with one of his students during the program.