Over 500 people attended the star- studded Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK)'s annual fundraiser, the Silk Road Gala, on Saturday, October 22, at the Sheraton Boston Hotel.ATASK  Silk Road Gala.  Food has always been key to the success of this event. The Silk Road Gala  featured star chef Ming Tsai, host of “Simply Ming” television series, owner/chef of The Blue Ginger Restaurant, and cookbook author as this year’s Gala Chair. Tsai and other local celebrity chefs including Jody Adams of Rialto, Jamie Bissonnette of Toro, Joanne Chang of Myers + Chang and Flour Bakery + Café, Jason Santos of Blue Inc., Ting San of Oishii Boston, David Wong of Shabu Zen, and Patricia Yeo of Om Restaurant creations delighted the palette of even the most fussy attendee.

The beautifully decorated ballroom was a perfect place for a wonderful evening out.  Gala co-chairs Laura Sen, Executive of BJ’s Wholesale Club, Patti Salem, Barrett & Company, and Deeb Salem, M.D., Physician-in-Chief of Tufts Medical Center. had put together a wonderful event. Janet Wu of 7NEWS/CW56 served as the  emcee the event.  Auctions were held to raise funds for ATASK. Chef Ming Tsai served as a very entertaining auctioneer, who auctioned off lovely dining experiences with celebrity chefs .  Many local business had donated items for the silent auction as well.  

While the event was filled with glitz and glamour,  the highlight of the evening was a touching presentation by a domestic violence survivor  who presented riveting testimony to the great work done by ATASK. "I came to this country with great ambitions to start my own business. I and my two year old son were victimized by my husband. The department of social service  asked my husband to leave the home. I was left in the apartment with really no  viable means to pay the rent.  My English was not very good. It was then that I was moved to a ATASK shelter.  I was so scared not knowing what I would do. When I went to the shelter , I was welcomed in with a warm smile. I had my own room and there were some flowers. I have never felt so welcome in all my life. They have given me much support. I and my son now live in our own little place. My English is much better. I know live without fear and with much hope" said the survivor.  The tale gave great legitimacy to the work being done by ATASK.  The evening continued with musical presentations by very talented artists including the A Capella Group  from Tufts University.

ATASK is New England’s only provider of shelter and support services for Asian survivors of domestic violence. Year round, ATASK works to raise awareness about the often silent issue of domestic violence.

To learn more about ATASK please check out their website at http://atask.org.

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