On Friday, August 2, 2019, KYCC presented its 18th Annual Benefit Concert at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles, raising over $450,000 for the agency’s programs and services. The concert was held in association with the Korean American Women’s Association and the Korean American Music Foundation. This year’s Title Sponsor was Citi Community Development.
Citi Community Development leads Citi’s commitment to achieve financial inclusion and economic empowerment for underserved individuals, families and communities by working with nonprofits like KYCC.
“We are grateful to have served the Koreatown community for over 44 years and this concert is an opportunity to thank our biggest supporters,” says KYCC Executive Director Johng Ho Song. “In particular, this year’s Title Sponsor, Citi, has been a longstanding partner of KYCC, and they are committed to supporting our Community Economic Development services. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to increasing financial access and resources to Koreatown families and proud to partner with them for this event.”
Six-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Israel Houghton headlined the fundraiser with a special guest performance by his Emmy-award winning wife Adrienne Houghton. They performed “Secret” and “Be Still” together. Actor Leonardo Nam received an Honorary Award sponsored by London Trust Media for his longstanding commitment to KYCC. CBS2/KCAL9 Anchor and Reporter Suzie Suh and comedian and host Michael Yo were the evening’s hilariously entertaining Master of Ceremonies, introducing the performances, which covered a wide range of genres, including pop, Gospel, Korean music and classical music.
The evening started with the Korean American Youth Symphony’s rousing rendition of “Hoedown” followed by a “Concerto for Violin & Cello in A minor” performed by Concertmaster of the Pacific Symphony Dennis Kim and violoncellist Bongshin Ko. Han Hee Jun concluded the first half with “New York State of Mind,” “What You Won’t Do For Love” and “사랑하기때문에.”
After the intermission, Korean American Youth Symphony performed “Bohemian Rhapsody” conducted by Music Director Sung Ju Kim. South Korean singer SoHyang sang “꽃밭에서,” “바람의 노래” and “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.” Israel Houghton followed with a performance of “Power of One” before introducing his wife Adrienne Houghton. Han Hee Jun and SoHyang joined Israel Houghton and Adrienne Houghton for a final performance of “Amazing Grace” that ended the show with a standing ovation.
For more information on KYCC’s Special Events, please visit here.
