Dr. Mike Hong, a Korean American community icon and entrepreneur, will be honored with the Philanthropy Award at the 16th Unforgettable Gala, presented by BMW, on Dec. 9, 2017.
Born in South Korea, Dr. Hong arrived in the United States in the 1950s. After supporting himself through the support of his teachers and working as a house boy, he completed his chemistry degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and went on to found Dura Coat Products in 1986.
In 2015, the university awarded him its Chemistry & Biochemistry Alumni Award.
Dr. Hong was also honored by the city of Los Angeles during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this year for his contributions, in particular through the M&L Hong Foundation.
Speaking inside City Council chambers earlier this year, Dr. Hong said he would not be here today without the help he received from others during harder times in his life. He has in turn donated millions to charities, educational institutions and community projects.
As the presenting partner of the 2017 Unforgettable Gala, BMW of North America continues its longstanding commitment to celebrating diversity.The gala is also supported by gold sponsors Private Internet Access and Pechanga Resort & Casino, along with silver sponsor M&L Hong Foundation. A teaser for the film “Beats of Paradise,” directed by Livi Zheng and executive produced by Julia Gouw, will officially launch at the Unforgettable Gala.
