June 14, 2002 - New York

The beautifully lit Grand Ballroom of the Puck Building in New York set the stage for a chic group of young professionals, over 400 strong, who gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Asian Professional Extension, Inc. (APEX), a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to promoting the personal and educational development of inner-city Asian American youth through long lasting relationships with Asian American role models.

APEX presented Inspiration awards to Flower Drum Song playwright David Henry Hwang and actor B.D. Wong, two distinguished artists whose accomplishments make them non-traditional role models for Asian American youth.

All proceeds from the evening, which included a silent auction, will benefit Asian American students in New York City involved in APEX's mentoring and educational programs.

--Lia Chang, AsianConnections