Evening of Aloha 2025 photos courtesy of Tracy Kumono

What a night! On September 27, over 500 supporters filled the Westin Bonaventure Hotel for our 24th Annual Evening of Aloha Gala, an unforgettable evening honoring the legacy of the Nisei WWII veterans.

The highlight of every Gala is the on-stage Veteran Roll Call. This year we celebrated three incredible centenarian veterans: Ed Nakamura, MIS (100), Toke Yoshihashi, 100th Bn. (102), and Mary Tamura, Cadet Nurse Corps (101). Their presence reminded all why we must work to ensure their stories of courage and service continue to inspire future generations. We also honored 32 living Nisei WWII veterans nationwide through our 6th Annual Living Nisei Veteran Photo Tribute.

Board Chair George Tanaka set the tone for the evening, acknowledging both the challenges we face and the hope we find in our growing community of support. President & CEO Mitch Maki delivered a powerful "Restoring America's Promise" presentation, weaving together the veterans' story with today's call to action. Dr. Maki reminded us: "As they served for a better tomorrow, we have the responsibility to work for a better future. Okage sama de. Because of them, we are."

The evening included special performances by NEA National Heritage Fellow and kotoist June Kuramoto, hip hop lyricist Kaze Jones, singer Lauren Kinkade-Wong, and Hamilton star Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama. Each artist brought their own connection to the Nisei story, creating a bridge between generations.

Los Angeles Torchbearer Chair Melanie Ramirez captured the Go For Broke spirit of our expanding community perfectly: "I am proud to say that I consider the Nisei veterans story to be a part of my heritage—my heritage as an American." Her words reflect our evolving work to engage with  people from all backgrounds to embrace this essential American story.

The Evening of Aloha Gala remains a hallmark community event, but it is also our primary fundraiser of the year. With the generous contributions from our sponsors, donors, and guests, the success of this year’s event will help fuel the future growth and sustainability of our educational programming and outreach. 

You can view a photo slideshow here, see the whole evening captured on video, or watch the “Restoring America’s Promise” feature and the 6th Annual Living Nisei WWII Veteran Photo Tribute. These videos capture the spirit of the night and the powerful moments we shared together.

On behalf of the Nisei veterans and their families, we are grateful to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, the 100th Battalion/442nd Infantry Regiment Honor Guard, our talented performers, and every single person who made this night possible. 

5th Annual Go For Broke Journalism Institute

In Their Own Words

In 2022, we launched the Go For Broke Journalism Institute in partnership with the Asian American Journalist Association - Los Angeles Chapter (AAJA-LA). Each summer, high school students from Downtown Business Magnet High School participate in a three-week intensive workshop to learn about the Japanese American WWII soldiers story and the Japanese American WWII experience.  

The curriculum included world-class journalistic instruction on topics related to journalistic research, writing, storytelling, video production, and social media strategies. The sessions are led by journalists and experts from outlets including the Los Angeles Times and ABC7. At the end of the workshop, students created a journalistic written or video piece that highlights their appreciation of the history and their personal connection to how the Go For Broke spirit applies to their own communities and identities.

Below are a few highlights from the 2025 cohort’s final projects, which was shared at this year’s Evening of Aloha Gala.

"History Repeating: Hatred Then and Now—from Japanese Americans to Muslims"

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government was worried and desperately in need of a scapegoat, which ultimately turned out to be Japanese Americans. After the attack on the North and the South Towers of the World Trade Center, not only were the attackers blamed but the whole Muslim and Arab community, who were also among the thousands of victims of 9/11.

If we don’t raise our voices, no one else will and these important parts of history will be overlooked, just like it has been during WWII with the Japanese Americans, and after 9/11 with Arabs and Muslims. Arabs and Muslims are still being criticized to this day with protests and hate speech. If we don’t look at how propaganda, racism, and hatred were used to punish Japanese Americans and Muslims then we will never be able to prevent it in the future with any other groups.

—Nowshin, Downtown Business Magnet Junior

"Unseen Sacrifices"

As the child of service members, I’ve learned that service is not just about wearing a uniform; it is about showing up, especially when it is hard. It means caring for family, carrying both pride and pain, and doing what needs to be done. It is a quiet strength I carry with me, passed down through love and sacrifice.

The Nisei soldiers of World War II did not just fight for victory—they fought for belonging. And while my parents did not wear the same uniform in the same era, they carried forward that same spirit: proving through their service in the U.S. Navy that Asian Americans are not guests in this country—we are part of its foundation. Their lives, shaped by sacrifice, discipline, and love, are the foundation of my own. And I carry that forward with pride.

—Jason, Downtown Business Magnet Junior

"Not Aliens - Different Times But Same Injustice"

Fear and frustration are emotions that many may feel, I know I do. When I recently learned about what had happened to Japanese Americans and people of Japanese ancestry during WWII I was so devastated. I was even more devastated when I realized that in current times we are not so far off with the racism and injustices that happened in WWII. 

History seems to be repeating itself once again, affecting many innocent people and communities. For that reason I wanted to spread awareness to make people realize how bad the situation of ICE raids is while showing a moment in history that went through something so similar filled with injustice. History should not be forgotten but spread because people deserve to know the truth and see the similarities of history that are occurring today. We can prevent history from repeating itself again.

—Sherlyn, Downtown Business Magnet Junior

Fund the Future

Inspire the Next Generation

The annual “Fund the Future” initiative launched at each Evening of Aloha Gala ensures that our vital work continues to preserve and evolve this important American story. Thank you to all who made contributions prior to and at the Gala. All gifts will help strengthen our financial foundation and help us meet our budget goals for 2025. Donations to “Fund the Future” can still be made online at goforbroke.org/fund-the-future.

Click to donate below or contact us at development@goforbroke.org.

Go For Broke Store

New Items for the Holidays

Purchase the Go For Broke Store's newest merchandise items from exclusive new tote bags to playing cards and teddy bears! Sales provide direct support for our vital educational programming and outreach to preserve and share the Go For Broke spirit and legacy of the Nisei soldiers as an important American story.