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Asian Hall of Fame returned to its Seattle roots on Aug. 14 for its sold-out Founders Gala at the Washington Athletic Club, where philanthropists Jerry and Charlene Lee were inducted into the Class of 2026.
Jerry Lee, former CEO of MG2, was one of four founding committee members who helped conceptualize Asian Hall of Fame. He and Charlene Lee were honored by fellow Inductees Omar and Christine Lee. KOMO News anchor Molly Shen served as Master of Ceremonies.
The event raised funds for Asian Hall of Fame’s Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports Scholarships, which support women of all racial backgrounds. Washington recipients were Samantha Rosales of Native Indian College, Stormy Woodenlegs-Boling of Native Indian College, and Brianna Pavan Lopez of Washington High School.
Seattle’s grunge music community was represented, including Krist Novoselic of Nirvana and Inductee Kim Thayil of Soundgarden who signed first-edition memoirs for guests. Musical Director Ed Roth performed with Inductee Hiro Yamamoto of Soundgarden, Inductee Daniel Pak of Totem Star, Maki Mae of “America’s Got Talent,” Ben Smith and Danny Godinez of Heart, and Derek Chinn.
Port of Seattle Commissioner and Inductee Sam Cho presented Sapphire Awards to Jon and Bobbe Bridge and Mike Flood, representing the Seattle Seahawks, recognizing five years of consecutive contributions to the organization. Mary Knell presented Sapphire Awards to the Robert Chinn Foundation, accepted by Inductee Karen Wong, Letitia Fong, Aaron Olson, and Taylor Safstrom.
Local supporters of the gala were Microsoft, Gobo Enterprises, Omar and Christine Lee, Mary Knell, Jon and Bobbe Bridge, Aaron Olson, Derek Chinn, and Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.
Asian Hall of Fame was founded in Seattle in 2004. Its Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony is scheduled for November in Los Angeles.
Official Photos: https://asianhalloffame.pixieset.com/foundersgala2026/
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