This year’s theme, “The Light We Carry Together,” celebrates the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose service and leadership continue to illuminate Chinatown’s path forward.

For twenty years, Chinatown Partnership has worked alongside the community to preserve our neighborhood’s heritage while building a more resilient and vibrant future. This anniversary gala honors the light each of us carries—and the greater impact we create when we carry it together.

Join us on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 100 Feast & Lounge for a memorable evening of celebration, recognition, and community spirit as we honor the remarkable individuals and organizations whose dedication and achievements continue to inspire, strengthen, and shape the future of Manhattan’s Chinatown.

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Legacy Award

David J. Louie Sr.

Photo Credit to our Executive Director, Wellington Chen

David J. Louie Sr. is a longtime Chinatown community leader whose life and work reflect a deep commitment to service, public safety, and neighborhood improvement. An insurance professional, U.S. Army veteran, and active civic volunteer, he has spent decades identifying local challenges and helping turn practical solutions into lasting benefits for residents, workers, and businesses.

After witnessing serious injuries among bicycle delivery workers, Mr. Louie advocated for stronger safety protections, including employer-provided helmets, reflective vests, and properly functioning bicycles. His advocacy reflected a belief that community leadership begins by paying attention to people’s everyday needs and taking action when their safety or dignity is at risk.

Mr. Louie also played an important role in establishing the Chinatown Business Improvement District. He helped property owners understand that BID assessments would remain in Chinatown and support services benefiting the entire neighborhood. He also advocated for pedestrian medians and trees along the Bowery. When officials questioned whether the street was wide enough, he documented comparable Park Avenue medians and returned with evidence. His persistence helped bring safer crossings and approximately 18 trees to the corridor.

His dedication to public service was shaped early in life by his parents’ sacrifices and President John F. Kennedy’s call to “ask what you can do for your country.” Mr. Louie later served in the U.S. Army and continued serving through the Lions Club of Chinatown and other community efforts.

Today, he remains committed to preserving Chinatown’s cultural identity, historic character, and economic vitality. He believes the neighborhood’s future depends on thoughtful planning, strong advocacy, and the willingness of individuals to contribute their time and effort. His legacy can be seen in safer workers, cleaner streets, stronger businesses, greener public spaces, and a Chinatown better prepared for the future—and carried forward by those inspired by his example.

Read our full interview with him below:

A Legacy Measured in Service

Momentum Award

Wonton Food Inc.

Photo Credit to Wonton Food Inc.

Founded in New York City’s Chinatown in 1973, Wonton Food Inc. has grown from a small noodle manufacturer into one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of Asian food products. More than 50 years later, Wonton Food remains family-owned and produces a wide range of noodles, wrappers, crispy noodles and fortune cookies, and other Asian specialty foods, with manufacturing operations in New York, Texas, and Tennessee.

CPLDC and the Chinatown BID are proud to present the 2026 Momentum Award to Wonton Food Inc., recognizing its remarkable growth, entrepreneurial success, and lasting contributions to Chinatown’s economic and cultural heritage. From its humble beginnings in the heart of Chinatown to becoming a nationally recognized manufacturer, Wonton Food exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, innovation, and progress while remaining deeply connected to its community roots.

Wonton Food Inc:

“Chinatown is where Wonton Food’s story began more than 50 years ago, and it will always be an important part of our heritage. We are deeply honored to receive this recognition and grateful to the Chinatown community that has been part of our journey and growth over the years.”

Trailblazer Award

Lei

Photo Credit to Evan Sung

Located on historic Doyers Street in Manhattan’s Chinatown, Lei features a thoughtfully curated selection of wines alongside dishes rooted in regional Chinese home cooking, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Representing a new generation of Chinatown businesses, the wine bar honors the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage while introducing fresh perspectives and contemporary dining experiences.

Named the 2026 James Beard Award winner for Best New Restaurant, Lei has brought national recognition to Manhattan’s Chinatown, showcasing the neighborhood’s culinary excellence and entrepreneurial spirit.

As a recipient of the 2026 Chinatown Partnership/BID Trailblazer Award, Lei is celebrated for its bold vision, pioneering spirit, and contributions to Chinatown’s cultural and economic vitality. By redefining contemporary Chinese dining and drinking, Lei inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs and strengthens Chinatown’s identity as a vibrant cultural and culinary destination.

Annie Shi, restaurateur/owner of Lei:

“I have very specific childhood memories of coming to Chinatown, both Flushing and Manhattan. I remember grocery shopping with my mom and then watching her prepare dinner. I wanted to pay homage to the childhood my mom and dad gave me. They sacrificed a lot for me and my sister, who Lei is named after, to allow us the freedom to make choices.

We are so proud to be a part of Chinatown. The work ethic and drive of the small businesses around us both inspires and motivates us. I always say that half the magic of Lei is just being on Doyers Street which is so historically significant to the community. Our hope is that Chinatown is able to retain its legacy business while also welcoming new businesses as they’ve done with Lei. We’re so grateful for the neighborhood. It is a dream come true to own a business in Chinatown.”

Advocacy Award

紐約亞裔美國律師協會

Photo Credit to Asian American Bar Association of New York

The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) was founded to advance the meaningful participation of Asian American and Pacific Islander attorneys in the legal profession and promote the fair administration of justice. Through professional development, legal scholarship, advocacy, and community engagement, AABANY supports the legal interests of the AAPI community while advancing diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

The organization’s origins date to 1988, when hearings conducted by the New York State Judicial Commission on Minorities highlighted the need for a unified association representing Asian American attorneys in New York. A dedicated group of legal professionals responded by developing a new organization, reaching out to bar associations, and bringing together Asian American attorneys from across the city.

AABANY was incorporated in 1989 and held its inaugural reception at New York University School of Law that November. Its first annual meeting followed in January 1991, establishing the leadership structure that would guide the organization’s continued growth.

Today, AABANY is one of New York’s most prominent and active minority bar associations, with more than 1,800 members—including attorneys in private practice and public service, in-house counsel, judges, professors, and law students. Its work strengthens the legal profession while helping ensure that AAPI voices and community needs are represented in the pursuit of justice.

CPLDC and the Chinatown BID are proud to present AABANY with the 2026 Advocacy Award in recognition of its longstanding leadership, service, and commitment to empowering the AAPI legal community and advancing justice for all.

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We are proud to recognize this year’s honorees for their leadership, accomplishments, and contributions to Chinatown and the broader community.

As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Chinatown Partnership Local Development Corporation (CPLDC), we invite you to be part of this special milestone and recognize those who have made a lasting impact on our vibrant community.

For any questions or assistance regarding the Gala, please contact us at info@chinatownpartnership.org or 212-346-9288.

We look forward to celebrating the special evening with you soon!

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