Mark Noffke, Finance Executive for Flying Food Group (FFG), said that Navy Pier’s Lunar New Year celebration aims to honor cultural heritage and community. This announcement was made in a press release on January 14.
“We are thrilled to support this vibrant Lunar New Year celebration,” said Noffke. “An opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together. A shared experience of joy, unity, and reflection.”
According to the press release, Navy Pier initiated its 2025 Global Connections Series on February 1 with a free Lunar New Year celebration featuring cultural performances, music, and interactive activities. The event celebrated traditions from various Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, marking the Year of the Snake. Community partners included the Chinese Fine Arts Society, Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago, and Helixx Crew K-Pop dancers.
“We are so grateful for The Sue Ling Gin Foundation’s commitment to and support of Navy Pier,” said Esteban Roman, Partnerships Manager at Navy Pier. This statement was part of a thank-you letter recognizing the foundation’s $25,000 contribution, facilitated by Noffke of Flying Food Group. The donation will support the 2025 Global Connections Series, promoting diverse cultural celebrations. Roman added that the partnership helps Navy Pier fulfill its mission as “The People’s Pier,” welcoming guests to experience and honor global traditions.
As reported by Southland Marquee, The Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust was established by Flying Food Group’s founder Sue Ling Gin. It receives 100% of the company’s profits, ensuring that its earnings are reinvested into community initiatives. “We are giving sizable amounts of money to charity,” said David Cotton, CEO of Flying Food Group. The foundation supports education, healthcare, and human services with notable contributions to DePaul University, Rush University, and Chicago-based nonprofits.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Noffke is a financial executive with over 45 years of expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, business strategy specializing in startups, restructuring, and treasury management.
