The Mid-Autumn Fest is the culmination of an 8-week fundraiser for Meals for Unity. If you cannot attend, please consider donating directly here.
Also known as the Harvest Moon Festival, the Mid-Autumn Fest is an extraordinary opportunity to unite the Asian-American community in celebration of the fruits of our labor throug a day-long celebration—featuring a mix of performers and creators: musicians, dancers, DJs, artisans, culinary masters, creators, martial arts practitioners, visual artists, and comedians. In essence, we were bringing the magic of the Asian Night Market to the heart of Queens.. As we gather under the luminous harvest moon, we will embark on a mission to cultivate community resiliency and sustainable vitality for Asian American-owned entrepreneurs in the entertainment and food service industries.
ABOUT MEALS FOR UNITY
As a group of young professionals who are predominantly first-generation Americans, we understand the unique challenges and needs of the elderly AAPI community. Our experiences, along with those passed on to us from generations prior, have shaped our perspectives and gave us the knowledge and tools to be able to empathize, support, and uplift this neglected sector of the community.
By leveraging their resources, networks, and professional experiences, they source culturally relevant meals from locally owned AAPI restaurants, catering to the specific dietary needs and preferences of the elderly AAPI community while stimulating the Chinatown economy. Their goal is to provide not just sustenance, but also a sense of comfort and nostalgia; paying homage to the heritage of those they serve.
By the end of 2023, we have served over 14,700 free meals, have executed 38 meal distribution events, have been aided by over 570 volunteers, recorded more than 3,000 volunteer hours, and have partnered with over 45 corporate sponsors, non-profits, and local restaurants.
ABOUT MOONLITE
Moonlite exists to uncover, illuminate, and elevate the diverse perspectives and expressions that currently exist in our creative community of Asian Americans. We create wholly unique experiences to build our collective sustainability. In plain speak, we love showcasing the diverse talents of the Asian-American creative community by creating spaces for them to share their art and, importantly, to help them get paid for it so that they can keep making more.
While our goal is to build up our creative community and foster sustainable careers, we believe wholeheartedly that this is best achieved when everyone is having A GOOD TIME.