<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1baEOG_0wAnJdKW00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1baEOG_0wAnJdKW00" width="900" height="675" ><figcaption>The audience at APACC’s Blood of the Dragon event was treated to a variety if cultural entertainment.</figcaption></figure>Back when Duc Abrahamson and the staff at the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce were planning the chamber’s annual Blood of the Dragon fundraiser at the Madison Loft in downtown Detroit, nobody thought the Detroit Tigers had any shot at making the playoffs.Turns out, the Tigers not only made the playoffs, but they advanced to the American League Division Series and earned a pair of home games. That meant that by the time the APACC fundraiser rolled around, it was competing for attention – and attendance — with a home playoff game for the Tigers.No matter. While a record playoff audience enjoyed the Tigers game, an enthusiastic crowd also turned out for Blood of the Dragon, the chamber’s culture-infused business networking event. Nearly 150 guests gathered, dressed in red and burgundy attire, for the chance to discuss economic trends and enjoy cultural performances from around the world.“We tried to make sure there was no baseball game,” Abrahamson, the chamber’s executive director, said, laughing. “But we’re excited. We got to see the crowd at Comerica Park. The energy downtown was amazing.”The energy inside The Loft was pretty high, as well, as supporters helped APACC top its fundraising goal. Abrahamson, though, pointed out the need for continued support.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0vCIfz_0wAnJdKW00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0vCIfz_0wAnJdKW00" width="900" height="675" ><figcaption>Phil Konooitski from Friedman Real Estate picks out his prize from the Bingo game from APACC volunteer Ella Moon.</figcaption></figure>“We are thrilled with the support and generosity we received at Blood of the Dragon,” she said. “While we surpassed our initial goal, the need for continued funding remains as we expand our programs and services to support the Asian American Pacific Islander business community in Michigan.“Every additional contribution helps us reach even greater heights, enabling us to further our mission and impact,” she added. “We encourage ongoing sponsorship, as every dollar raised will be put to good use in fostering a thriving business ecosystem.”Supporters and business leaders mingled throughout the networking event, and were treated to a pair of topical presentations.Tanya S. Skilton, Executive Director Strategy, Innovation and Customer Care, General Motors Global Purchasing, talked about the resilience of the supply chain, particularly in the face of the short-lived port strike along the East Coast.Christopher de Movellan, Managing Director at Angle Advisors, talked about the future outlook in the mergers and acquisitions space.Abrahamson said those speakers were chosen for the timeliness of their topics.“These are very topical subjects right now,” she said. “The supply chain is always topical, and the port strike and the hurricanes are going to affect that. (And) we’ve already seen the M&amp;A coming back this year.”<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1vvr2S_0wAnJdKW00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1vvr2S_0wAnJdKW00" width="900" height="675" ><figcaption>Artists performed dances and music from Korean, Thai and Japanese culture.</figcaption></figure>As always, the crowd was treated to cultural performances, this time from a trio of dance teams. The Woorisori Nanta Team represented the Korean culture, the Sri Siam Dance Group demonstrated a Thailand dance, and the Sakura Japanese Instrumental Group presented a musical performance.Raquel Carpenter attended the event for the first time, having been introduced to it by a friend. She left impressed.“A friend showed me a poster, so I went to the website,” said Carpenter, who hails from the Dominican Republic and works for Angels in Home Assisted Living Services. “The networking was excellent. It was an interesting event.”</div></body>

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Enthusiastic Crowd Helps APACC Top Fundraising Goal at Annual ‘Blood of the Dragon’ Event

Back when Duc Abrahamson and the staff at the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce were planning the chamber’s annual Blood of the Dragon fundraiser at the Madison Loft in downtown Detroit, nobody thought the Detroit Tigers had any shot at making the playoffs. Turns out, the Tigers not...