LONDON, ON. February 3, 2016. This Saturday February 6th, the stage will be set at the London Convention Centre for the London community to help ring in the year of the monkey. Hosted by the Chinese Canadian National Council - London Chapter, the Dragon Gala is the annual celebration of the Chinese New Year and fundraiser.

​This year's silent auction and raffle proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Diabetes Association in support of programs and services delivered in London. The Dragon Gala has a minimum goal of raising $10,000 for its choice charity partner.

With an anticipated guest list of over 650, the gala will also feature its first ever "Rise with the Dragon" competition in partnership with Fanshawe College's Culinary Program. Guests of the gala will be able to sample hors d'oeuvres prepared by the 5 qualifying student teams and vote for their favourite. The winning team will be announced at the gala.

"We're really looking forward to offering this new experience to our guests this year," said Fran Tran, Chair of the Dragon Gala and CCNC-LC Board of Directors. "Every year we're looking to bring the gala to new heights and I think this year, under the guidance and support of our Honorary Gala Chair Henry Poon, we've done that."

For more information about the Dragon Gala, please visit www.dragongala.com. For information about CCNC-London Chapter, please visit www.londonccnc.com or by contacting [email protected] or 519-451-0760.

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LONDON, ONTARIO – December 01, 2015 – marks the official launch of the Dragon Gala, the biggest Chinese New Year Celebration and fundraising event in London, Ontario taking place on February 6th, 2016. Honorable guests will have a chance to taste the Gala menu prepared by Chef David Van Eldik of London Convention Centre.

On the guest list are the Gala Gold Sponsors: Adamas Group, CIBC Wood Gundy and White Oaks Mall; Silver Sponsors include – Cohen Highley Lawyers, Lexus of London and TD Bank; Bronze Sponsors include Burwell Auto Body, London Convention Centre and Western Libraries, while Media Sponsors include CTV and Virgin Radio.

​Hosted by the Chinese Canadian National Council – London Chapter, the Dragon Gala has combined social fun with fundraising efforts in support of worthwhile charities in previous years. “This is really a win-win-win all around,” said Fran Tran, Chair of both the 2016 Dragon Gala and CCNC-LC Board of Directors. “It’s another way the Dragon Gala has been working to build the bridge and connections between businesses, charities and our community, so we’re excited to see the synergy that’s happening with this year’s Gala.”

Beginning with a cocktail reception at the Gala entitled “Rise of the Dragon”, five culinary teams consisting of Fanshawe College’s Culinary Program students will skillfully prepare 5 of their qualifying hors d’oeuvres to allow Gala patrons to vote for their favorite appetizer with the winning team announced later in the program. The evening will follow with fusion Chinese cuisine, silent auction and cultural entertainment. The City of London will come together to celebrate the Year of the Monkey at the London Convention Centre on Saturday February 6th 2016. By popular request, an after dinner dance is added for those who wish to stay and party.

760 tickets were sold out last year and many community groups are looking forward to joining the celebration for a good cause.

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LONDON, ON. February 4, 2014. Celebrating the Year of the Horse – the London Convention Centre will see a crowd of over 750 guests attending the annual Dragon Gala hosted by the Chinese Canadian National Council – London Chapter (CCNC-LC).

On February 8, 2014 guests will be treated to a dinner consisting of Chinese fare traditional to a Chinese New Year meal as well as delicious fusion cuisine creations by David Van Eldik, Executive Chef at the London Convention Centre. The evening will also consist of a variety of performances from vocal acts to folk dances, a special performance by Orchestra London as well as a silent and live auction.

“We’re days away from the event and are very pleased with how everything is coming together,” said Henry Poon, Chair of the Dragon Gala Committee. “We’re happy to be celebrating the Chinese New Year with the community and in turn also helping another community.” Poon is referring to a decision made by the CCNC-LC Board of Directors to donate a portion of the proceeds to support the Philippines Typhoon Relief Fund.

Kicking off the evening will be the opening ceremonies in which the traditional Lion Dance will take place at 7pm. Members of the community got a glimpse of what the Lion Dance is when they attended the White Oaks Mall Chinese New Year celebration last Saturday. There were approximately several hundred who made their way to see the celebration despite the weather. For more information about the gala please visit www.dragongala.com.

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