The Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (VietAID) honored former Boston Mayor and Ambassador Ray Flynn at its third annual My Gala - “Illuminating Past Successes & Embracing Future Opportunities” on September 13 at the IBEW Hall in Dorchester. The Honorary Co-Chairs were Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston CEO Josh Kraft and Boston Police Department Superintendent William Gross.

The event celebrated VietAID’s 20th anniversary this year.

In addition to celebrating the legacy of Ambassador Ray Flynn, who opened City Hall to Vietnamese refugees and other new Americans, VietAID also honored Harvard’s Boston Refugee Youth Enrichment Program; Ms. Quynh Dang, VietAID’s founding Chairperson; its founding Board and Long Nguyen, VietAID’s first Executive Director. Charlotte Golar Richie, Commissioner for the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

The gala was a celebration that highlights and pays homage to the story of how refugees and immigrants have found their American Dream and then helped others along the way. In Vietnamese, America is called “My,” or beautiful country. To celebrate the American story, VietAID named the annual event, My Gala, which continues to attract community members and leaders from across Greater Boston.

“VietAID is thrilled about the opportunity to honor such visionary and esteemed leaders like Ray Flynn, BRYE, and VietAID’s founding members at our 20th anniversary gala,” said VietAID’s Executive Director Nam Pham. “This year signifies so many momentous milestones. We hope that our contributions will be as meaningful as those who have paved the way for us to continue our work in Dorchester.”

Since 1994, VietAID has been serving the Dorchester community, home to almost 20,000 Vietnamese. The organization has developed affordable housing, created family and youth programs, and initiated cultural and social initiatives. Its work over the past two decades has served 100,000 and helped turn Fields Corner into a more vibrant community. Proceeds of the My Gala will fund VietAID’s family and youth initiatives, including its after school program, summer camp, preschool and parental support services.