CASL Honors Chicago Broadcast Trailblazer Linda Yu, Raises $630,000 at 2026 Gala Supporting AANHPI and Immigrant Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, IL – March 24, 2026 – The Chinese American Service League (CASL) brought together more than 430 community leaders, supporters and changemakers for an evening of reflection, celebration and impact at its 2026 Gala Knots of Wisdom: Threads of Legacy, Leaders of Change, raising over $630,000 to support vital services for Chicago’s AANHPI and immigrant communities.

The evening centered on honoring Linda Yu, Chicago’s first Asian American broadcast journalist, with the CASL Lifetime Achievement Award – CASL’s highest honor, and a recognition of both her groundbreaking career and decades-long commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices.

For more than 40 years, Yu shaped how Chicago sees and understands its communities. Beyond the newsroom, her advocacy helped amplify stories that mattered- including early coverage that brought visibility to CASL and its mission, helping build awareness and support that would shape the organization’s future.

“I am deeply grateful for Linda,” said Paul Luu, Chief Executive Officer of CASL. “For her heart, her spirit, and her unwavering commitment to others. She reminds all of us what it truly means to lead with empathy, to act with intention, and to give in a way that continues to touch lives near and far.”

Yu’s influence extends far beyond journalism. From supporting CASL’s growth to championing the needs of immigrant families and underserved communities, her legacy reflects the very spirit of the evening: using one’s voice to create lasting change.

The gala featured cultural performances, moments of storytelling and reflections on CASL’s work across behavioral health, education, family support and economic empowerment — programs that continue to meet the evolving needs of Chicago’s diverse communities.

Funds raised during the event will directly support CASL’s efforts to expand access to culturally responsive services, ensuring individuals and families have the resources they need not just to succeed, but to truly feel at home.

CASL extends its gratitude to the generous sponsors who made this year’s gala possible, including the Sue Ling Gin Foundation, Robert & Mayari Pritzker Family Foundation, Chinatown Parking Corporation, and Ngai Foundation.

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