The 2024 AAPI Heritage & Dragon Boat Festival in Dallas was an unforgettable celebration of culture, unity, and community. As a proud gold sponsor, ACTIVE was delighted to play a significant role in this vibrant event. Held on May 19, 2024, the festival highlighted the rich heritage of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and offered a unique opportunity for community engagement and cultural appreciation.
The AAPI Heritage & Dragon Boat Festival has become an important event for recognizing and honoring the contributions of the AAPI community. The festival typically features traditional dragon boat races, cultural performances, and educational activities that share the history, achievements, and contributions of AAPI individuals.
In Dallas, the festival reflects the city’s diverse cultural landscape. It serves as a platform to foster understanding and respect among different communities, promoting social cohesion and inclusivity.
At ACTIVE Network, we believe in the power of community events to bring people together and celebrate diversity. Our involvement in the 2024 AAPI Heritage & Dragon Boat Festival included several key components, including team participation in the dragon boat races and as the gold sponsor.
“As a committed partner in fostering community and diversity, ACTIVE was proud to announce our role as a gold sponsor for this year's festival," said Christina Weitzel, ACTIVE's marketing director. "This partnership underscored our dedication to supporting the rich cultural tapestry that the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities bring to our city.”
ACTIVE’s participation in the festival was more than just a sponsorship; it was a reflection of our broader commitment to corporate social responsibility. By engaging with community events like the AAPI Heritage & Dragon Boat Festival, we aimed to celebrate diversity, foster unity, and promote inclusivity.
"To me, the 2024 AAPI Heritage and Dragon Boat Festival signified true community and camaraderie," said Leslie Stonestreet, a marketing manager at ACTIVE. "It was a profound honor to celebrate the rich diversity of our AAPI culture. By honoring this heritage, we pave the way for a future filled with unity, understanding, and shared experiences."
Our team members’ personal reflections on the festival highlight the profound impact of participating in such a meaningful event. Creative design manager Megan Tilton described the experience as "truly inspiring," noting that the community's spirit of teamwork and enthusiasm created an unforgettable celebration of unity and resilience at the first annual AAPI event.
Senior employee engagement specialist Becky Breda also shared her reflections, stating, "Participating in the first annual AAPI Heritage and Dragon Boat Festival was a truly special experience I will forever carry with me. We found ourselves immersed in the currents of culture, paddling through waves of tradition, and indulging in a feast for the senses."
Nic Fleming, a sales director at ACTIVE, emphasized the value of team-building with coworkers and appreciated the opportunity to engage with organizations like YMCAs and parks and recreation departments. "It's always great to participate in team-building events with your coworkers but being out there with the types of organizations we work with on a daily basis—YMCAs and Parks and Recreation departments," Fleming said. "To see how passionate they are about our Dallas community was such an awesome experience."
The 2024 AAPI Heritage & Dragon Boat Festival in Dallas is more than just an event; it is a celebration of culture, diversity, and community. ACTIVE Network is honored to be part of this significant cultural celebration, and we look forward to contributing to its success and positive impact on our community.
"It was a dream come true to see beautiful boats on White Rock Lake with the unmistakable Dallas skyline in the background," said Cristine Kao, head coach of the DUC Delite Dragon boat program. "We are overwhelmed by the support and interest in our dragon boat program so we can continue this festival tradition for years to come!”
