FADCNY Hosts Energizing Fundraiser Concert to Support Democratic Candidates Up and Down the Ballot

New York, NY – The Filipino American Democratic Club of New York (FADCNY), in partnership with Filipino Americans for Harris Walz (FAFHW) and Taiwanese Americans for Progress, raised over $14,000 at an inspiring fundraising concert held on Friday. The event, hosted at the Upper East Side home of Loida Nicolas Lewis, a trailblazing lawyer, philanthropist, and pillar of the Filipino American community, brought together attendees across both in-person and virtual platforms. The funds raised, driven by small-dollar grassroots donations, will support the re-election campaigns of New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga, State Senator Iwen Chu, and FADCNY and FAFHW’s critical efforts to mobilize members and volunteers for key voter outreach activities locally and nationally.

The concert featured captivating performances by Filipino American Broadway stars Renee Albulario (Here Lies Love), Emily Borromeo (School of Rock), Liz Casasola (Imelda: A New Musical), co-founder of Broadway Barkada, a collective of Filipino American professional performing artists, and Lora Nicolas Olaes, co-producer of Here Lies Love, along with acclaimed Taiwanese American singer-songwriter Vienna Teng. Each artist inspired the audience through their art and advocacy, conveying strong messages of community and political engagement.

Joel Dabu, Chair of the Host Committee and an active member and volunteer with both FADCNY and FAFHW, reflected on the event: “I am so proud of the incredible energy we witnessed at the ‘Do Something for Freedom Concert.’ Our diverse audience gave standing ovations to the performers and showed passionate support for the growing AAPI political power. The message was clear: when we lift up one, we lift up the entire community."

Doing Something for Freedom: Building AAPI Political Power

State Senator Iwen Chu, the first Asian American woman elected to the New York State Senate, highlighted the urgency of her re-election campaign, facing a tight race against a Republican challenger. Chu initially won by just 500 votes, and she represents one of the state’s most diverse districts, with 50% AAPI residents. Her office provides services in more than 13 languages, ensuring immigrant communities are heard and represented.

Assemblymember Steven Raga, the first Filipino American elected to the New York State Legislature, also joined the event and commented on his competitive re-election battle. His leadership has been crucial in advancing the interests of the Filipino community. Through his efforts, Raga helped secure $1.6 million in federal funding for a community center in Queens—the largest federal grant ever awarded to a Filipino organization in New York State. Michelle Amor, Vice President of FADCNY and FAFHW National Communications Co-Director, emphasized the importance of his re-election: "Steven made history, but what’s truly remarkable is the impact he continues to have. We’ve seen firsthand now the difference it makes to have someone in office who knows our community, understands our challenges, and represents us. It’s critical that we support his re-election so that he can continue the momentum.”

FADCNY's Growing Role in Local Voter Mobilization

In addition to hosting key fundraisers like this concert, FADCNY has been significantly expanding its role in voter mobilization this election season. The organization is now the lead organizing Democratic club for the Queens Blue Bus initiative, a voter mobilization effort in partnership with Congresswoman Grace Meng, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and over 10 other Queens-based elected officials and Democratic clubs. This initiative focuses on mobilizing Queens Democrats to canvass in battleground states and districts, which is crucial for securing Democratic wins both locally and nationally on Election Day.

FADCNY also recently partnered with Congresswoman Grace Meng for voter registration drives last month, further showcasing its commitment to empowering voters and expanding civic participation within the AAPI and Filipino American communities.

Enzo Manzano, President of FADCNY, reflected on the broader impact of the organization: “We are playing a crucial role in this election, not just through events like this concert, but through a range of voter mobilization efforts that are making a difference at both the local and national levels. We are building a movement that extends beyond Election Day, ensuring that Filipino voices remain strong and influential in shaping the future of our communities and the country.”

FADCNY’s efforts during this election season highlight the organization’s growing influence in New York politics and beyond, as it empowers Filipino American and broader AAPI communities to take an active role in shaping the political landscape. The evening served as a powerful reminder of the importance of electing candidates who will champion AAPI communities and secure Democratic victories