MILFADELPHIA: The Roast | Asian Arts Initiative Annual Benefit

MILFADELPHIA: The Roast | (Mothers I Like to Laugh with)

Get ready to laugh till you cry (or cringe a little) as we roast some of Philly’s biggest, baddest Mothers while raising vital funds for Asian Arts Initiative’s free Youth Arts Programs. It’s a night of comedy, community, and creativity—where the burns are hot, the food is delicious, and the cause is something we all believe in.

THE ROAST: WHO’S GETTING BURNED?

Our roasters are ready to take the heat, and here’s who you’ll be laughing with (or at) on May 9th:

• Sinta Storms, Founder of Modero, Dancer, Curator
• Anne Ishii, Program Director US Artists, Musician, PKA ED at AAI
• Debbie Wei, Founder of Asian Americans United and Chinatown Champion

THE FUN BEGINS:

• Get in on the Mom ROAST! Want to add your own burn? Join our Writers Room where our editor will help you craft the perfect jab to be read out loud by our hilarious host, Kae Lani Palmisano, Philly TV Host and Food Editor for Philadelphia Magazine.
• Food, Glorious Food! Create the most unique meal EVER by curating your own lite bites by Philly’s best local restaurants, all while mingling in our one-of-a-kind Night Market. It’s a foodie’s dream!
• Get Your Groove On! Finish the night by hitting the dance floor with Yolo Ono, our favorite DJ and Experience Curator. It’s going to be a night to remember!

WHAT YOU’RE SUPPORTING & WHY:

For over 25 years, Asian Arts Initiative (AAI) has been dedicated to empowering youth through the arts, offering free after-school programs to over 150 students ages 11-18 deemed “at-risk” (e.g. ELL students, immigrants, low-income) in the School District of Philadelphia. But with today’s uncertain environment, we face a critical challenge to keep these programs. These programs provide a creative outlet and safe space for students to thrive—and we need your help to sustain them.

By joining this event, you’re directly supporting AAI’s mission to continue offering these free programs, ensuring that our students have the resources to explore their artistic talents and build a brighter future.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE FANCY—The Pre-Event:

Join us for an exclusive pre-event on May 9th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM—an intimate private dinner hosted by Anne Ishii, honoring the incredible Eva Ray. This special pre-event will feature a curated dining experience by Celebrity Chef Diana Widjojo of Rice and Sambal, where guests will indulge in exquisite flavors and enjoy heartfelt moments in a truly memorable setting. It’s an opportunity to mingle with our honorees, celebrate AAI’s mission, and experience an unforgettable culinary journey—all while supporting a cause that’s close to our hearts.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind evening of fun, food, and fierce roasts—all in support of a cause that matters!