Stephanie Reese, a movie theater actress and pop-classical singer with a resume that includes performing on world-class stages like New York's Carnegie Hall and Palladium Theater in London’s West End, moved to Bainbridge Island in 2019 after marriage. "I've had this dream for years," said Reese, whose father is half-Japanese and half-Caucasian and her mother is Filipino and Chinese.

As the only Asian member of the board of Arts and Humanities Bainbridge (AHB), an organization aiming at connecting the community through arts, humanities, and cultural programs, Reese presented her idea of organizing the island's first annual Asian Arts and Heritage Festival to the board. Joining Stephanie in her commitment to the community and celebrating Asian heritage are local owners of The Agency Bainbridge Island brokerage, Mark Middleton and Suzy Legier. They are passionate about supporting all cultures and are proud to be the Title Sponsor of this 1st inaugural event.

The festival now includes seven events that will last throughout the month of May to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Beginning on May 3, AHB will kick off the festival with a booth set up at the Moonlight Market at Bainbridge Island Town Square, where people can visit to see local AANHPI art, make origami paper cranes, buy the festival's raffle tickets for fundraising future festivals, and understand more about the upcoming events, Reese said.