VAF honors 5 trailblazing St. Louisans at the first-ever AAPI Theme Night of the St. Louis Cardinals
The Very Asian Foundation (VAF) is celebrating the Cardinals’ first-ever AAPI Heritage Night by honoring 5 incredible people who make St. Louis a better place to live through Asian American enrichment. VAF and friends will be celebrating with pre-game programming, including dancing, honors, St. Louis history, and more starting at 5:15 p.m. at the Budweiser Terrace Theme Kiosk.
Fans can buy Theme Tickets for the AAPI Heritage Night game on August 14 to take home an exclusive double bobblehead featuring Tommy Edman and Lars Nootbaar and can celebrate with VAF before and during the game. Plus, a portion of each ticket sold will benefit VAF. Purchase your Theme Tickets at cardinals.com/theme.
When:
Monday, August 14
6:45 p.m.
Where:
Busch Stadium
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Oakland A’s
Press kit here
SPECIAL BOBBLEHEAD
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SPECIAL BOBBLEHEAD -
Everyone who buys a theme ticket will receive a special bobblehead featuring Tommy Edman and Lars Nootbaar, who played for Team Korea and Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
If you recall, both players took the world by storm during their runs in this year’s classic.
Tommy Edman made history playing as the first multi-racial Korean American to play on Team Korea, bringing new, worldwide fans to Busch Stadium.
Lars Nootbaar became an international sensation thanks to his pepper-grinder move, his adorable mom, and his contributions that brought Team Japan a global championship.
OUR HONOREES
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OUR HONOREES -
Soman Chainani: The Creative Genius
Soman Chainani is a New York Times Bestselling Author. His debut series THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD & EVIL has sold more than 3.5 million copies, been translated into 32 languages across six continents, and has been adapted into a major motion picture from Netflix that debuted at #1 in over 80 countries. His bestselling book of retold fairytales BEASTS & BEAUTY is slated to be a limited television series from Sony 3000. Soman will receive VAF’s Creative Genius Award.
Anna Crosslin: The Institution
Anna Crosslin is an institution, literally and figuratively. She is the retired president and CEO of the International Institute and has left a lasting impact on thousands of immigrants and refugees. She is now the namesake of the Anna E. Crosslin Center for Multicultural Excellence, an initiative of the International Institute that connects people, organizations, and businesses through multiculturalism. Anna will receive The Institution Award.
Hosei Maruyama: The All-Star
Hosei Maruyama is in a league of his own as the Facility Operations and Planning Director for the St. Louis Cardinals. Hosei is approaching his 20th year within the organization and serves as a leading diverse voice for operations within Major League Baseball. Hosei is a fan favorite in St. Louis and MLB AANHPI communities. He will take home VAF’s All-Star Award.
Kathy Osborn: The Ally
Kathy Osborn leads the Regional Business Council as the president and CEO. She is a vocal champion of high-impact civic, business, and philanthropic initiatives for the betterment of the region. She has supported various AAPI organizations through amplification and support over her 20+ years at the RBC, including the Asian American Chamber of Commerce and VAF. She will receive The Ally Award.
Peter Tao: The OG
Peter Tao is a St. Louis original. He is a principal architect of TAO + LEE, a documentary film producer, a community leader and organizer, and he leads the Chinese American Collecting Initiative, which is actively unearthing and preserving Chinese American history and experiences with the Missouri Historical Society. Peter serves on the OCA-St. Louis board and has won countless awards for his tireless work in St. Louis, including a recent OCA National Unsung Hero Award and recognition from the city during its AAPI Heritage Celebration hosted by 4th Ward Alderman Bret Narayan and Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler. Peter will receive The OG Award.
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Night Theme Tickets are available here. VAF is receiving a portion of proceeds from theme ticket sales and will use the funding for St. Louis initiatives.
If you’d like to interview any of the honorees or reach out to the Very Asian Foundation, you can make the request to Soogi Hong, at soogi@veryasianfoundation.org.
VAF wants to thank its 2023-2024 St. Louis corporate sponsors and community partners:
Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Bunge, Chao Baan & United Provisions, Cushman Wakefield, Emerson, Emmy Crawford, Gateway Korea Foundation, Jacobs, Kirkwood School District, KSDK 5 On Your Side, Nieman Marcus, OCA-St. Louis, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Regional Business Council, Soman Chainani & Harper Collins, Stephen Deaderick & Cycle Bar, St. Louis County Library, Scott Credit Union, St. Louis Cardinals, Tao + Lee, Tiny Chef & Mission Taco, and countless individuals.
Thank you so much for your support!
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