An Evening with Apolo Anton Ohno at Carnegie's Restaurant and Bar
June 4, 2006

Olympic Gold Medalist Apolo Anton Ohno and his father, Yuki Ohno, hosted An Evening with Apolo Anton Ohno, an exclusive fundraising reception and dinner on Sunday, June 4th, 2006 at Carnegie's Restaurant and Bar in Ballard. Proceeds from the event, which exceeded $20,000 net, will benefit the programs of Nikkei Concerns.

The evening culminated with presentations of gifts to Apolo and Yuki Ohno from community supporters such as the Beacon Hill School children and their principal, Dr. Susie Murphy. Haruko Shimizu, respected Mizuhiki artist and instructor, presented Apolo and Yuki with her special handmade Mizuhiki artwork. This art form made from ribbon-like cord is said to connect the hearts of the giver and receiver. Apolo graciously accepted the gift and, speaking to the crowd, Apolo said "Nikkei Concerns deserves a gold medal." In his brief comments, Apolo also expressed his interest in learning more about his Nikkei heritage and emphasized the importance of our community and the work of Nikkei Concerns.

Following the reception, 31 guests had the rare opportunity to dine privately with Apolo and Yuki and enjoy an elegant five-course meal created by Chef Jerry Brahm. The grand finale was a beautifully plated, chocolate dessert, garnished with gold flakes, appropriately named "Champion on Ice."

A very special thank you to Apolo and Yuki for making this event possible, to Sharon Tomiko Santos for emceeing the event, to Jerry and Susan Brahm of Carnegie's Restaurant and Bar for their generous donation of venue, food and wine. Thank you to all those who attended and made this event successful, and to the many donors, sponsors and volunteers whose generosity, talents and gifts made this evening special.

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Apolo Anton Ohno at Carnegies Restaurant and Bar June 4, 2006	Tomio Moriguchi, Jenny Li Moriguchi, Yuki Ohno and Apolo	Emcee Sharon Tomiko Santos and Apolo center stage	Gregory Tanbara, Diane Taniguchi & Joe Yabuki pose for the camera
A beautiful Mizuhiki gift is unveiled	Children and principal, Dr. Susie Murphy, from the Beacon Hill School present gifts to Apolo	Roy & Lillian Hayashi with Apolo	Pat Wakazuru & Apolo
Raffle winner, Jill Nishi, and Apolo	Nancy Kitano displays an autographed bandana	Apolo signs autographs for many admirers	Haruko Shimizu presents her handmade Mizuhiki gift to Apolo
Apolo displays a gift from Nikkei Concerns	Queens Court members Stephanie Oling, Sayuri King, Paige Wakasugi & Apolo	Apolo with Mika Tanagi	Apolo shares a laugh with another raffle winner
Apolo with Eiko & Zenji Shibayama	Kyle Ebisu gets an autograph from Apolo	Brian, Courtney & Emi Yorozu with Apolo	Nikkei Concerns Board President, Harold Taniguchi gets a laugh out of Apolo
Nellie Fujii-Anderson, Paula Wong & Jan Gokami	Terry Nakano visits with Howard Nakase	Erin Tsutsumoto & Apolo	Taylor Marie Kanemori displays her winning raffle prize
Apolo with Tosh & Toshi Okamoto	Apolo with The Honorable Sharon Tomiko Santos