The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, the entire Chao family and the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Foundation were honored at the recent US-China Policy Foundation Gala Dinner held in Washington, D.C. on November 18, 2015.
The November 2015 Gala dinner was especially festive, as it also celebrated the Foundation’s 20th anniversary. In attendance were a number of distinguished guests, including Members of Congress, Chinese Embassy officials, Diplomats from around the world, leaders in the US-China business community, honorees and scholars. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Ambassador James Sasser, co-chairman of the Gala and former US Ambassador to China.
Following the dinner, Dr. Chi Wang, Co-Founder of the US-China Foundation presented the Outstanding Achievement Award in Public Service to The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, Chair of the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Foundation. The Outstanding Achievement in Philanthropy Award was given to the Chao family and to the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Foundation, in particular recognizing Dr. James S.C. Chao, The Honorable Elaine L. Chao and Angela Chao — for their lifetime of dedication to philanthropic endeavors.
In bestowing the Outstanding Achievement in Philanthropy Award upon the Chao family, the US-China Policy Foundation recognized the critical role the Chaos play in encouraging Asian-Americans to transcend cultural boundaries, to embrace cultural differences and to participate fully in all aspects of American society — especially as philanthropists. The Chao family’s efforts to build bridges that strengthen US-China relations aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission to promote mutual understanding between the two nations.
The Honorable Elaine L. Chao accepted the awards on behalf of her family and the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Foundation. In her acceptance remarks, she spoke of her mother and father’s journey from their homeland to America, and the challenges they overcame through persistence, courage and optimism in spite of the adversities they faced. Secretary Chao spoke about her mother’s emphasis on the importance of education, as evidenced by her commitment to realizing her dreams, earning her Master’s Degree in Asian Literature and History at the age of 53.
Chao family members have carried their parents’ teachings forward as individual philanthropists and as stewards of their Family Foundations, especially the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Foundation, which has provided scholarships to thousands of students in the US and China. Angela Chao, Deputy Chair of the Foremost Group, has served on numerous Boards of Directors and advisory committees, such as: the Lincoln Center China Advisory Council, the Museum of Modern Art PS1, the Metropolitan Opera, the Harvard Business School Board of Dean’s Advisors, and the American Board of Shipping Council, to name just a few.
The mission of the US-China Policy Foundation is to enhance mutual understanding and promote positive relations between the United States and China. The Foundation accomplishes its mission through a number of experiential programs and information exchange that enhance cultural understanding and promote opportunities for collaboration.