China Institute Honors Outstanding Leaders at Annual Blue Cloud Gala

NEW YORK, May 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Friday, May 29, over 300 global leaders in business and culture, committed to building trust between China and the U.S., will come together to celebrate the work of the China Institute at its annual Blue Cloud Gala at the iconic Gotham Hall in New York City.

This year's gala celebrates the Institute's 89^th anniversary while honoring four outstanding individuals with the annual Blue Cloud Award: The Hon. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., chairman of the Atlantic Council Board of Directors, former U.S. Ambassador to China, and former Governor of Utah; Dr. Leroy Chiao, astronaut, entrepreneur, and special advisor to the Space Foundation; and Shirley and Walter Wang, founder and CEO of Plastpro Inc., and chairman and CEO of JM Eagle (respectively).

Co-emceeing the event will be Bloomberg anchor Betty Liu, and world-renowned playwright David Henry Hwang, author of such works as M. Butterfly and Flower Drum Song. Metropolitan Opera singer Tian Hao Jiang will also perform.

The gala benefits the China Institute's programs in education, arts and culture, and business, and will include dinner and a live auction. Guests will also have a chance to preview the Institute's planned move to Lower Manhattan and new state-of-the art facilities designed by Pei Partnership Architects. Opening in August 2015, China Institute's expanded headquarters will meet its community's growing needs for services and programs. The new facility, at 50,000 square feet (more than five times the size of its current facility), will have more gallery and classroom space, as well as the additions of an auditorium, multi-function room for performances, exhibits and films, tea house and gift shop.  This expansion will enable the Institute to be an even more dynamic "gateway to China," offering cultural and business programs that respond to a changing world and present the full diversity of China's past, present and future to a new generation of global citizens. 

"We are thrilled to recognize these exceptional individuals and supporters of the China Institute's mission and enrichment programs," said James Heimowitz, president of the China Institute. "We also celebrate the Institute's long tradition of nurturing cultural understanding, dialogue and friendship for nearly 90 years, and we look forward to continuing this legacy and expanding our impact in the years to come."

Founded in 1926, China Institute is the preeminent center in the U.S. that advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture and business. With the rising importance of the relationship between China, the U.S. and the rest of the globe, the China Institute's mission is more relevant – and necessary – than ever before.

To learn more about the China Institute or purchase tickets to the Blue Cloud Gala, please visit http://www.chinainstitute.org/support-us/special-events/annual-gala/.

About China Institute
China Institute advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, business and art with the belief that cross-cultural understanding strengthens our global community.

Founded in 1926 by a group of American and Chinese educators, China Institute in America is the oldest bicultural, non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China. The organization promotes the appreciation of Chinese heritage, and provides the historical context for understanding contemporary China. Programs, activities, courses and seminars are offered on the visual and performing arts, culture, history, music, philosophy, language and literature for the general public, children and teachers, as well as for business.

Press contact:
Elizabeth Ingrassia
917-842-4473
[email protected]
www.chinainstitute.org

SOURCE China Institute

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