Around 200 people attended the “Tastes of Asia” benefit dinner and auction last month in Seattle, helping raise $90,000 for the Bellevue-based Executive Development Institute (EDI).

The non-profit organization partners with businesses in the Pacific Northwest to develop culturally-tailored leadership programs.

Former FOX-TV news anchor Christine Chen emceed the event, while Laura Michalek served as auctioneer.

The evening featured appetizers created by three local Asian Pacific chefs, whose culinary services were later auctioned off as take-home prizes.

Attendees also competed for top honors in the Xbox 360 ”Rock Band” and golf putting challenge.

“We’re so gratified by the support from business and community leaders, as well as our program alumni,” said EDI Executive Director Starr Macdonald. “In this difficult economy, good leadership is more critical than ever. Leaders with diverse backgrounds offer unique perspectives and can help organizations attain higher performance levels in our increasingly multicultural society.”

EDI started in 1994, and has graduated more than 400 Asian Pacific professionals from its Leadership Discovery program.

This year, the organization is piloting a new version of the program that has been culturally tailored for Hispanic professionals.

EDI has also and has launched Leadership Navigation, a program for mid- and senior-level professionals.

For more information about the Executive Development Institute, visit www.ediorg.org.