Pink Day 2012: Help Fundraise More for Breast Cancer

Beijing’s First-Ever Pink Day 2012 Launch in Central Park

This past Sunday, May 20th saw Beijing’s first Pink Day, a fun food and activities fair dedicated to Breast Cancer Prevention with all funds raised to support the China Breast Cancer Foundation‘s various projects and impoverished mothers with breast cancer.

Hosted by the China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) and Savills Property Services (Beijing) Co., Ltd Central Park Branch Company, the event featured a wide host of generous vendors (hotels, restaurants, spas and wellness groups) selling great products to do their part in this fundraising campaign.

Food & Activity Stalls Galore at Pink Day 2012 in Central Park

From GungHo! Pizza to Lollipop Bakery’s delicious cupcakes, a jewelry stall, a Merry-Go-Round for kids and a Mashup Sports & Social Toss-Up for those with good aim, there was something for everyone of all ages and interests at Beijing’s first-ever Pink Day.

Friendly Smiles and Generous Donors at Pink Day 2012

The fair also featured a Breast Cancer Screening Mobile Center for FREE Breast Cancer Screenings (only 15 minutes per person for free screening) made available onsite at Pink Day with doctors from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital who gave on-site consultations.

FREE Breast Cancer Screening Mobile Center at Pink Day 2012

They had a goal of RMB 100,000 and after a fun-filled day of food and activities outdoors in Central Park, they raised RMB 94,000. Just RMB 6,000 shy of reaching their goal, May Cheng, owner of Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat has put out the request for extra donations to help them reach their goal.

“I would like to ask if you happen to be in Central Park, do drop your pocket change as a small donation into the Donation Box which can be found in our Spa.  I would then turn in the box to Savills Property Management to submit it to China Breast Cancer Foundation. Or if you wish to donate a larger sum, please proceed to Savills Management Office at Tower 3 or get in touch with Diana To (diana.to@savills.com.cn) and they should be able to assist in getting an official receipt for tax relief purposes.”

- May Cheng, Owner of Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat and Pink Day 2012 Organizer/Volunteer

For all the women you care about, please do your part and join in the fight against breast cancer by simply donating as little or as much as you can! The donation box will be available until the end of this week so hurry and act now!

To get you all a little more inspired, check out snapshots of all the volunteers, generous donors and people who came out to join in Pink Day 2012 all-day festivities.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Pink Day 2012:

Friends of Pink Day / Peace for Humanity Joins Fight for Breast Cancer

Secret Mustard Recipe Mrs. Dupps Makes Debut at Pink Day 2012

Mashup Sport & Social Hosts Fundraising Games for Pink Day

Bouncy Castle / Food Stalls at Pink Day

Jia Hau Jewelry / Lollipop Bakery Cupcakes

Fairmont Sells Giant Cookies, Brownies & Sandwiches to Fundraise for Pink Day

Pink Day Hosts: China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) & Savills Property Services (Beijing) Co., Ltd Central Park Branch Company

Painting T-Shirts to Tossing Basketballs: Fun Activities for Kids

Entertainment for Kids / Raising Awareness / Breast Cancer Survivors Performance

LumDimSum & May Cheng (owner of Hummingbird Spa) Proudly Holding Donation Box

About China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF)

The China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) under China Social Work Association is a not-for-profit organization established in January 2008 with the approval of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China. Mr. Xu Ruixin, the primary vice minister of Civil Affairs of China, is the director-general of CBCF. Dr. Xu Guangwei, a well-known cancer expert and director-general of the Chinese Cancer Prevention Association, is the vice director-general of CBCF.

The mission of CBCF is to mobilize social resources to raise public awareness and knowledge about breast cancer, fund research and development in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and promote early diagnosis and early treatment techniques for breast cancer in medical organizations.

For more info, click here for CBCF’s official website. 

Beijing’s first Pink Day 2012 raises RMB 94,000!

Help them reach their goal of RMB 100,000 by Donating a Little Cash

C!Talk’s You & Me: Culture Jam for Dandelion School

“C!Talk is an intiative of a global organization called World Culture Open and is a series of culture-related performances held in the Beijing MOMA Cinematheque every two months.”

This Saturday, May 19th will see the first of a four-part event series by C!Talk Beijing to raise cultural awareness through performances by local artists and 100% of the ticket sales will go to The Dandelion School of Beijing to provide a chance for underprivileged children to also attend fun theatrical events.

“C!Talk thrives to create an open stage where people can enjoy their rights to arts. The May 19th show will deliver an unforgettably engaging, inspiring, and thoroughly entertaining experience to the Beijing community.” – Janet Kang, organizer for C!Talk Events

Their first event will feature international artists and performers showing their talents around the theme : You & Me.

Performers include Beijing’s beloved and very hilarious Beijing Improv Group along with a Argentinian Tango and talented multicultural musician Rani Geroult.

C!Talk’s Performing Artists:

• Argentinian Tango by Annie Cheung and Mark Jonikas - Annie Cheng is an independent modern dancer & choreographer, Argentine tango instructor and performing arts organizer. Both Annie and her dance partner Mark Jonikas will take you through the concept and demonstration of two sorts of magnetisms in Tango. 

• Rani Geroult - Born in India and raised in France, Rani Geroult has a personal background that binds her to both Western and Eastern cultures. From the self taught musician playing in the streets of Sanary-sur-Mer in France to becoming an international vocal artist in Beijing, Rani has crossed a trajectory and developed a different voice and style taking her to places, and charming international audiences all over the world.  A multicultural and multitalented musician, Rani will perform several improvisational pieces.

• Beijing Improv - Beijing Improv is China’s oldest and largest Improvised Theater organization, produced widely acclaimed monthly comedy shows and winning raving reviews. They will perform several interactive comedy skits created based on the theme “you and me”

• The Buu Club – Created in 2010 by a group of young musicians fascinated with aboriginal music, they aspire to promote freedom, happiness, tolerance, and a natural lifestyle. For this event, they will perform a “conversation” between a Djembe and a Darbuka (Middle Eastern drum). 

“Perhaps the most exciting part of the show is the Buu Club’s  ’Cultural Jam’ performance that invites two different genres of cultures to perform improvisational and interactive ‘jamming,’ and this time we will feature two different types of drums – Djembe and Darbuka.” – Janet Kang

Event tickets are only RMB 30 per person but keep in mind that 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the Dandelion School of Beijing.

To read more about Annie Cheung and Rani Geroult’s performances for C!Talk’s “You & Me” event this Saturday, May 19, check out Global Times article here.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 19, 2012

• Time: 16:00-17:30

• Location: Beijing MOMA Cinematheque 当代MOMA 百老汇电影中心

• Address: North area of Dongzhimen MOMA, 1 Xiangheyuan Lu, Chaoyang district  朝阳区东直门香河园路1号, 万国城北区（二环路东北角）

• Website: Click here

About C!Talk:

C!TALK is about creative talent sharing. C!TALKs provide with a stage where such cultural wisdom and stories are shared with a larger public. Invited artists from diverse cultural genres will perform on stage and talk with the audiences to share their wisdom, experiences and the stories of tears and laughs.

“1 event ticket per child.”  - Many of us have the memory of heartfelt sensation from being to events such as ballet, musical, orchestra performances or plays. Such sentiment seeds joy and even hope to many people. C!TALKs ask audience to purchase tickets (RMB 30), but 100% of the profit, in turn, are used to support event tickets for children of less privileged, those who don’t have much access to the live theatrical events.

Organized in series bimonthly, each C!TALK session is created by collaboration among diverse groups of people from a local community. It raises awareness of community spirit among the participating artists, organizers, sponsors, volunteers, audiences, and the recipients of donations alike.

The program is designed as a part of ‘creative sharing’ initiative of the World Culture Open, a global network organization which strives to provide open and creative intercultural platform for people to engage, enjoy, embrace and be enriched together, sharing and respecting each other’s cultural experiences and knowledge, as well as dreams and ideas.

BJ FOoDieS: ‘Bread’ Charity Dinner at SWITCH! Grill

BJ FOoDiEs Venture Over to the new SWITCH! this Saturday for Charity

The first time I tried the original SWITCH! restaurant in 798 Art District was thanks to the monthly charity dinner organized by BJ FOoDiEs back in 2010 (click here for original post) so I’m happy to see that the BJ FOoDiEs team will once again be introducing their cult of foodie followers to the new SWITCH! Grill in Regent Land Apartments on the southeast corner of Dongsishitiao this coming Saturday, April 21 starting at 7:30PM. (*Note that this dinner will be held on a Saturday, instead of their usual Sunday night.)

More than just a delicious Western, fresh grill menu, foodies will also get to test out some of their phenomenal, innovative cocktails. To this day, I still think their Strawberry Chili Martini is one of the best cocktails this city has to offer.

“The Switch team is going to play some hip-grooving music & also wanted to test their drinks on the addicts so there will be massive specials on drinks allll night long!”  - Xixi Cheng, Founder of BJ FOoDiEs

Once again, BJ FOoDiEs works hard to win their foodies an amazing meal at a ridiculously low price of RMB 100 for the entire dinner menu + glass of wine.

So instead of just coming with the minimum to pay for the meal (the RMB 100 per person goes directly to the hosting restaurant), please remember to pack a bit more heat in your wallet to contribute to the good work of this month’s featured charity organization – Bread of Life Bakery, a local NGO that creates jobs at an American-style bakery and a good working environment for older, disabled orphans. Funds raised will allow wheelchairs and other orthopedic equipment to be purchased or repaired for children all over China.

SUMMER LOVIN’ FOODIES FEAST AT SWITCH!

RMB 100 includes dinner menu + drink

To Start!

SWITCH GREENS

w/ Marinated sliced asparagus, fresh endives, secret dressing

Grill Time!

SMOKED GRILLED OYSTERS

w/ mushroom, ground peppercorn & in-house BBQ sauce of love

ROASTED ORGANIC MEDLEY

w/ Spicy bean mix, charred broccolini, honey-glazed baby carrots

YUMMY CARBS

w/ snow mashed & sauteed potatoes two ways

Sweeties!

PROFITEROLES

w/ double dip chocolate sauce 

+ Glass of fermented grape juice

“Indulge for a Cause”

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 21, 2012
  
• Time: 7:30-10:30
• Location: SWITCH! Grill Restaurant
• Address: Regentland, 66 Gongti Beilu (across from Swiss-Hotel) 工体北路66号
• Tel:  6553-5691
• Cost: RMB 100 includes dinner menu + drink
• RSVP: E-mail BJ Foodies Team – bjfoodies@gmail.com

April Charity Theme: ‘BREAD OF LIFE’

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to ‘BREAD OF LIFE’ – The NGO creates jobs & a good working enviornment for older orphans who are disabled. All profits from the bakery goest to help orphans & other children who have orthopedic needs.

For more information: http://www.breadoflifebakery.org/

About BJ Foodies Group:

Organizing monthly group meals at about RMB 100/head with food/drinks included, this group of dedicated foodies is all about “satiating their inner-foodie appetites for good quality food, conversation & fine wining/sake-ing/cocktailing/beering while indulging for a cause.”

BJ FOODIES PURPOSE:
1. Just to eat a nice meal & catch up with real people & friends outside the clubbing-disease we all suffer from called Vics/Mix.
2. Opportunity to contribute our little bits to society while doing something we love – EATING. The Charity aspect is a supplementary & added bonus BUT NOT the main purpose of the group

—-

Related Articles: 

• Savvy SWITCH! Grill at New Dongsishitiao Location

• SWITCH! Grill Switches Back On in New Location

• LumDimSummary: BJ FOoDiEs at SWITCH! 

BJ FOoDieS: ‘Ninja’ Charity Dinner at Restaurant T

The recognized symbol for BJ FOoDieS monthly charity dinners, this little character is pretty much exactly how all us foodies look whenever we discover a new restaurant within in this intricate maze of Beijing’s roller-coaster dining scene.

This Sunday, March 25 (tomorrow) is their upcoming “Ninja” feast at Restaurant T, a high-end, modern Japanese restaurant just across the way from Gori in Ocean Office Park (not far from Central Park in CBD).

“Restaurant T is modern fine-dining opulent Japanese cuisine at its best. Innovative signature dishes like mandarin-fish sashimi, goma tofu are just a few of the signatures that make this a stand-out venue. We promise this will be a culinary adventure if this is ya’ll first time trying T.” – Xixi Cheng, Founder of BJ FOoDieS

Promising to be “a 5* Meal of pure decadence fit for a Japanese emperor” this is definitely a dinner you’ll want to RSVP for in advance as BJ FOoDiEs is known to book out every seat available and even turn some foodies away if they turned up too late without a reservation.

Foodies are treated to an extravagant multi-course dinner for only RMB 120 + drink.  And as always, this price per person goes directly to the hosting restaurant so be sure to fill up your wallet just a tad bit more if you’d like to contribute to the good work of this month’s featured charity organization - Prevention Through Eduction (PTE China), an NGO focused on educating young people in China and empowering them with both the knowledge & ability to effectively respond to the challenges of HIV/AIDS.

Whisky & Women Unite: 85 Broads at Starfish

Whisky.

Women.

Charity.

Compass Box Cocktails by Stephanie Rocard at Mao Mao Chong.

Seafood and Snacks by Starfish.

Performances by Jess Meider.  

What a wonderful way to celebrate International Women’s Day!

Hosted at Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar, this International Women’s Day event is brought to you by 85 Broads and their partners VIVA Beijing,Starfish, Oregon Oyster Farms and Compass Box Whisky Co., to bring women together to inspire and unite with Beijing’s brightest women entrepreneurs.

Contribute over RMB 100 and get a cocktail, 3 oysters and a raffle ticket.  With Mao Mao Chong actually closed until March 16, this is your only chance to taste their delicious, innovative cocktails.  All proceeds go directly to support EGRC – Educating Girls of Rural China. In 7 years, EGRC has raised funds in Canada and Hong Kong; sponsored 286 young women from impoverished rural areas of Gansu Province in Northwest China to receive university education.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, March 8, 2012
• Time: 6PM
• Location: Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar
• Address: Just west of southwest corner of Xindong Lu and Dongzhimenwai, 22-1 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, 东直门外大街22-1号
• Questions: Call 186 0120 3623

CFFC Napa Valley Style: Good Eats, Good Times, Good Cause + Good Wines

The culinary event that’s already made a name for itself as Beijing’s top charity culinary event of the year, Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) has expanded its wings beyond it’s annual main event in November and is now hosting a one-off, multi-restaurant charity wine dinner in collaboration with 20 Napa Valley vintners to support Children’s Hope Organization, a local orphanage that provides long-term care for disadvantaged youth as well as life-saving medical attention for orphans so that they may be adopted into loving families.

Chi Fan for Charity just celebrated its third year and over the past few years, they have had tremendous success in uniting the Beijing community together in a joint-effort to raise over RMB 850,000 towards various local charity organizations to date.  That is an incredible accomplishment and thanks to founder Michael Crain, they are once again creating another charity event on April 17, 2012.

But instead of rounding up 40+ restaurants to each sponsor ten seats, Chi Fan for Charity is only offering a choice of 5 participating restaurants and each seat is set at RMB 800 (which is still a bargain considering how much money is going to charity and how high-end these restaurants are). And the newest addition to this winning formula of good eating + good company for a good cause, CFFC has managed to bring over 20 vintners from Napa Valley, California (four vintners per each restaurant).

“Compare tasting notes with 4 vintners at each of the 5 participating restaurants. They will share the secrets of their methods and engage you with stories of life in Napa Valley.” – Michael Crain, Founder of Chi Fan for Charity

Here is the breakdown of participating restaurants and visiting Napa Valley wineries:

 After spending some time in Napa Valley last year, I discovered Swanson Vineyards, which was one of the most impressive wineries I’ve ever been to.  And this is also where I found my favorite bottle of wine to date – their 2010 Viognier is out of this world. So you can imagine how excited I was to see that they will be one of the 20 participating vintners traveling to Beijing all the way from Napa Valley, California!

Seating is very limited considering there are only 5 participating restaurants and each restaurant is only hosting 11 seats!  I have already booked six seats at Temple Restaurant Beijing for my family of foodies, so hurry and book your seats before they’re gone!

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2012
• Time: Dinner begin at 6:30PM 
• Location: At the 5 Participating restaurants
• Website: Click here.
• Questions: Email MDC@chifanforcharity.org

Check out LDS’s previous articles relevant to this topic:

• LumDimSummary: Chi Fan for Charity 2011

• Napa in a Nutshell: Wine and Dine Napa in Just 24 Hours

  

Run Harrowthon 2012 & Fund Two Baby Operations

Harrow International School Beijing is partnering up with The Hutong Team to put on a 10k Fun Run on March 18, 2012 (their 3rd Annual Harrowthon) to fund surgeries for two babies at Feng Tai Orphanage.

With a goal of raising RMB 50,000, they hope raise enough funds to give two babies life changing operations.

“Zhao Chang Hao is a 3 month old baby suffering from a cleft lip and cleft palette. Chang Hao is hoping to have his first surgery in March and a further operation six months later to solve both problems. His operations will cost 10,000RMB.”

“Zhao Pu Si is a 13 month old baby girl. She has hydrocephalus, also known as “water in the brain”. The condition is caused by a build up of spinal fluid in the brain and can cause increased pressure inside the skull and progressive enlargement of the head, convulsion, tunnel vision, and mental disability. Hydrocephalus can also cause death. Zhao Pu Si’s operation will cost 40,000RMB to remove the fluid from the brain and allow her to live a healthy life.” – Harrow International School

Race will take place at Harrow International School Beijing Lower School in Grassetown at 10AM.  Click here for SIGN UP FORM.

With a minimum age requirement of 11, expect runners of all ages and skills including Harrow’s students and faculty. Fee for Participating Adults is RMB 100 and for those Under 18, the fee is RMB 50.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, March 18, 2012
• Time: 10AM-Noon
• Location: Harrow International School Beijing Lower School in Grassetown
• Sign Up: Click here.

Cuffed by Cupid: Charity Pub Crawl through Sanlitun

The idea is simple: Pay RMB 100 and you can pat yourself on the back for doing your good deed for the day by contributing to Migrant Children’s Foundation, a worthy charity organization in need of additional funds and you are set for a guaranteed great night.

Organized by fellow Beijinger Phoebe Mroczek, she took something as simple as a pub crawl and made it into an easy way to raise a decent amount of money towards a local Chinese charity organization she believes in while also putting together a fun event for her friends and anyone else keen to tag along.  The last pub crawl in December was cleverly titled the “12 Pubs of Christmas Charity Pub Crawl” and this month, she’s cuffing all participants to cupid (perfect timing with Valentine’s Day just around the corner) in this next charity pub crawl.

Rally up friends and potential love interests and be sure to dress up in red, pink or white. Once everyone turns up, you are pretty much ‘cuffed’ into a 9 bar pub crawl commitment that will take you through Sanlitun’s best drinking holes. Run-down goes something like this (subject to change at Phoebe’s discretion) -

Paddy O Shea’s (Starting Point)

James Joyce

The Den

Drive Thru

Luga’s

1st Floor

2nd Floor

3 Rock

With a total of 9 bars on board, you are guided on a pub crawl through Sanlitun, taking shots at each bar and tempted by superb drink specials to ensure that by the time you’re done, you’ve hopefully got cupid on your side.

Event Details: 

• Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
• Time: 4PM
• Location: Starting Point at Paddy’s, then you’ll be heading all over Sanlitun ‘hood
• Contact: crawlsforacausebeijing@gmail.com or call 15011002459

Migrant Children’s Foundation Background:

The Migrant Children’s Foundation is committed to enriching the lives of disadvantaged children in Beijing through volunteering. Our volunteers undertake one month support placements at under-resourced schools in Beijing, but the focus isn’t only on teaching – it’s about sharing experiences, giving time, learning new skills and experiencing life in one of the oldest, most fascinating and fastest-changing countries on earth. This is what makes MCF unique.

For more information, click here.

BJ FOoDiEs ‘Magic’ Dinner & Hilton’s Charity Auction

The first BJ FOoDiEs event of 2012 is setting up to be a double-whammy!  Switching things up, this is one of the very first times that a BJ FOoDiEs dinner will not be held on a Sunday, but on a Friday night. And since most of those in attendance have a charitable heart and generous spirit, it only makes sense to see BJ FOoDiEs teaming up with the Hilton Beijing, The Beijing Beatles, and Hoegaarden for the 2012 Charity Auction!

So mark you calendars for next Friday, February 10 for a night dedicated to the spirit of generous giving and good food. Not only will foodies be spoiled with a special dinner, those who make the highest bids for Beijing’s Dashing Bachelors and Bachelorettes will again be once again rewarded with another dinner at One East!

The night’s rundown is quite packed in, so by signing up for the BJ FOoDiEs dinner, you’re also signing yourself up for a full-on charitable evening with all proceeds going to two very special charitable organizations: Morning Tears and Magic Hospital.

First off, foodies are treated to an indulgent, 3-course contemporary American meal at One East in the Hilton Beijing hotel.

While the restaurant is said to specialize in Steaks & Burgers, the BJ FOoDiEs dinner unfortunately will be serving neither.  But alas, you can enjoy everything from a crustacean sea platter this eatery combines hearty US dishes with a swig of innovative californian flavors

“Be WARNED – This is going to be a night of feasting, drinking, debauchery & party-tastic times.  It’s going to be one of the best TGIF CELEBRATIONS so do join us for the night….we’ll hopefully all remember it the next morning. WoOT WOOT ” – Xixi Cheng, Founder of BJ FOoDiEs

Make a Difference with Chi Fan for Charity

 Founder Michael Crain Presents CFFC Donation to New Hope Foster Home

Last month, Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) made it’s first donation to New Hope Foster Home (see picture above). Founder Robin Hill accepted the donation of RMB 155,000 on behalf of the children of New Hope.

The second donation will be made to Bethel Foster Home on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 10AM. All supporters are both invited and encouraged to attend. These donations are making a huge difference in the lives of others and both your time and presence would be appreciated by the entire CFFC team.

If you can make it, please email ChiFan@chifanforcharity.org. Click here for directions to Bethel Foster Home.

Background of CFFC Donation Recipients: 

If you are interested in joining the Chi Fan for Charity team and serving on the serving committee for CFFC 2012, please email MDC@chifanforcharity.org 

Click here for my LumDimSummary of Chi Fan for Charity 2011.

LumDimSummary: Chi Fan for Charity 2011

 First I was waiting on all the beautiful pictures and before I knew it, work started piling on and somehow one of the most important events of 2011 has slipped under the radar for a complete LumDimSum re-cap (or as I like to call it – LumDimSummary), but I refuse to let this one go.  Better late than never right?  I swore I’d complete this post before the end of 2011, so I figure it would be an appropriate time to finish off 2011 with a post dedicated to one of the most inspiring and exciting events of this year – Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC)!

Originally founded by Michael Crain, Chi Fan for Charity quickly made a name for itself as one of Beijing’s most highly-anticipated culinary and charity events of the year. Already in its third year, CFFC 2011 was beyond magnificent and I beam with pride every time I think about the dedicated team of volunteers and all the people who donated so much of their time, energy and resources to make this event such a success.

Rallying together over 500+ Beijingers to dine in Beijing’s top dining establishments with all proceeds going to support local Chinese charity organizations in need, they exceeded their goal of raising over RMB 300,000 in just one night.  Involving 39 generous and charitable restaurants in Beijing, we were able to raise a substantial amount to be donated to two very worthwhile charities – Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation.

 Not only was CFFC able to make a difference in Beijing, but the event was also expanded to Shanghai for the first time this year thanks to the help of organizing sponsor Austen Morris. Check out my recap of my weekend in Shanghai just to reserve my seat at Shook! together with my table host Alan Wong here.

“What started in Beijing by Michael Crain three years ago as an idea to raise a bit of money for worthy causes has mushroomed into a two city effort which this year engaged 26 of Shanghai’s best restaurants, many of the city’s most influential movers and shakers and over 200 fine-diners and late night revelers. 

Chi Fan for Charity Shanghai was able to raise over 200,000RMB with all profits going directly to Heart to Heart Shanghai, Chi Heng Foundation and Compassion for Migrant Children.  With these funds, Chi Fan for Charity has already been able to:

• Donate three life saving heart surgeries to Heart to Heart Shanghai for Chen Wenyu, Wang Zhi Yuan and Jiang Yu Han at Yodak hospital earlier this month.

• Help operate Compassion for Migrant Children’s Shanghai’s Xinan Community Center and enable:

Migrant babies and pregnant mothers to participate in CMC’s Early Childhood Development program which is designed to help migrant parents provide the best possible start for their children and covers health education, literacy, socialization and learning through play activities. 

Migrant children aged 5-13 to receive academic assistance and an opportunity to participate in creative activities (such as music, arts & crafts, dance, sports, field trips) which are aimed at helping them develop healthy social and character skills) 

We are also proud to announce that the combined efforts of Chi Fan for Charity Beijing and Shanghai raised over 500,000RMB for charity.”  - Kelly Olver, Katie Littlefield and the CFFC Team 

With all that said, here’s a recap of Beijing’s third annual Chi Fan for Charity Event.Check out photos from many of the dinners that took place throughout the city and of course my favorite part, the Official After Party at Hatsune Sanlitun with DJ Patrick Yu.

Chi Fan for Charity 2011 Dinners:

(listed in alphabetical order)

Agua:

Barolo:

Chef Too:

Cru Steakhouse:

Carmen:

Grange:

Hercules:

Kagen:

Kagen Teppanyaki:

Karaiya Spice House:

Modo:

Mosto:

Nobu:

Punjabi:

ROOMbeijing:

Sureno:

Transit:

CFFC After Party at Hatsune  Sanlitun:

Photos courtesy of the very talented Helen Couchman & Lakshitha Tharindu

BJ FOoDiEs: “Dream” Charity Dinner at China Lounge

BJ FOoDiEs Monthly Charity Feast is normally held on a Sunday, but with the Christmas holiday just around the corner, they are hosting their first ever dinner on a Thursday – Dec. 22!

To celebrate the end of 2011, they are closing the year with a big, fancy Chinese feast featuring China Lounge’s signature dishes.  Price per person is bumped up slightly to RMB 150 per person, but with the following spread below, should definitely be worth it!

“We don’t know where the time has flown but can only wish everyone an VERY MERRY early XMAS & the happiest of new years  Hopefully 2011 has been a great one for all ya’ll – We hope ya’ll can join us as this is going to be a super special feast that….the final 2011 feast to say bye to everyone this year” - Xixi Cheng, Founder of BJ FOoDiEs

XMAS-XTRAVAGANZAAAA! 

China Lounge Set Dinner + Drink = RMB 150

 | APPETIZERS | 

DUCK LIVER

w/ organic sliced bread squares

NEEDLE MUSHROOMS 

w/ Shredded diced conpoy

CHINA THOUSAND SALAD

w/ Chopped Tuna, bacon bits, fresh greens 

FIVE SPICES BRAISED BEEF

w/ in-house spices

SPICY-SOUR EGGPLANT

w/ marinated dressing 

| MAIN COURSES: FAMILY STYLE |

STEAMED RIVER WEEVER

w/ garlic cloves & peeled shallots

STIR-FRIED KING PRAWN

house specialty w/ dried chilli, candied nuts, fresh ginger   

DONGBO PORK CHOP

w/ diced baby onions, rice wine, lettuce 

FRIED HOT STONE POT CHICKEN 

w/ black soy bean sauce

BAKED DUCK

w/ preserved bean curd strips 

EGG OMELET

w/ jasmine reduction, chopped scallions, dried shrimp 

SUZHOU BAMBOO SHOOTS

w/ salted vegetables, marinaded broccoli, sesame oil 

YING YANG RICE

w/ fresh garlic, green peas, chicken strips 

| FRESH FRUIT PLATTER |

“Indulge for a Cause”

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, December 22, 2011
• Time: 7:30-10:30
• Location: China Lounge
• Address: Workers’ Stadium South Gate, 工人体育场南门内
• Tel:  6501-1166
• Cost: RMB 150 includes dinner menu + drink
• RSVP: E-mail BJ Foodies Team – bjfoodies@gmail.com

December Charity Theme: ‘Dream’

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to ‘Dream Corps” – The NGO is dedicated to promote reading among children in rural China by opening literature centers & developing reading programs. Through close collaboration with local educators & parents, we aim to inspire enthusiasm for learning in rural children.

For more information: www.dreamcorps.org

About BJ Foodies Group:

Organizing monthly group meals at about RMB 100/head with food/drinks included, this group of dedicated foodies is all about “satiating their inner-foodie appetites for good quality food, conversation & fine wining/sake-ing/cocktailing/beering while indulging for a cause.”

BJ FOODIES PURPOSE:
1. Just to eat a nice meal & catch up with real people & friends outside the clubbing-disease we all suffer from called Vics/Mix.
2. Opportunity to contribute our little bits to society while doing something we love – EATING. The Charity aspect is a supplementary & added bonus BUT NOT the main purpose of the group

A Very Merry Kagen Christmas Charity Party for BICCO

Charity Christmas Dinner at Kagen (photography courtesy of Nora Tejada)

On Saturday, December 10, Kagen Japanese Restaurant hosted a Christmas Charity Dinner to benefit the Disabled Chinese Orphans of BICCO (Beijing International Committee of Chinese Orphans) and with about 130 generous patrons in attendance, we somehow managed to reach our goal of raising over RMB 200,000!  That is an insanely high number because that means each person donated on average RMB 1,500!

Originally, the deal was set that for each ticket sold, RMB 500 would be donated directly to BICCO (which was already really generous of Kagen Restaurant), but in the end, owner Alan Wong generously donated ALL ticket sales to BICCO, meaning that the entire ticket sales (RMB 600 each) went to the children of BICCO.

In addition to ticket sales, we also managed to sell a butt-load of raffle tickets (raising RMB 9,400) and many silent auction prizes went for higher than it’s actual value (raising RMB 31,757).

Combining ticket prices, raffle tickets and silent auction prizes together with many personal donations to our cause, we were able to exceed our goal of more than RMB 200,000 and now Amy Zima and her team of dedicated volunteers are looking to expand their rehabilitation program to at least two other orphanages in China!

A BIG thank you to all our generous sponsors:

• The Wine Republic (who helped supply the 100+wines to bring out the Christmas spirit of giving)

• Heineken Beer for sponsoring 200 bottles of Sol Beer (also helped bring out spirit of giving)

• Ryan Cardwell & Ivy Academy for their Generous sponsorship and partnership in hosting this event

• Acoustic musician David Mitchell for donating both his talent and time to our event

• Photographer Nora Tejada for helping us to capture this unforgettable event

• Beijing Kids for their Media Sponsorship

• Event Volunteers: Ingrid Van Nijverseel, Stephanie Giambruno, Katja Schick, Stephanie Butler, Dannan Hodge, Luce, Christina Lieffring, Romulo Martinez, Kelly Charles, Oumou Barry

• Alan Wong and his Kagen Restaurant (for donating the entire restaurant space and sponsoring the 10-dish meal for everyone that night!)

• Silent Auction Sponsors: 

• A Food Affaire
• Alona Pilates
• Antonia Sampson
• April’s Adornments
• Bodhi Spa
• Chef Too
• Counting Sheep
• Elisabeth Koch Millinery
• Frontiers Chinese School
• GungHo! Pizza
• Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat
• The Hutong
• Ivy Academy
• Le Spa
• Little Gold Book
• LMC Boutique Clothing
• Oumou Jewelry
• Papabubble Candy
• Punjabi Indian Restaurant
• Ritz Carlton
• Scarlett (Hotel G)
• SinoScuba
• Starfish Wine & Seafood Restaurant
• Two Guys and a Pie
• Wondermilk
• Yoga Yard

Snapshots of the BICCO Charity Dinner Silent Auction Tables:

(Photos courtesy of Nora Tejada)

Snapshots of Christmas Charity Fun at Kagen:

(Photos courtesy of Nora Tejada)

Thank you to everyone who generously donated and contributed to our Christmas Charity Event for BICCO. We are in awe of everyone’s generosity and effort towards such a wonderful and dedicated organization!  Excited for some big improvements in 2012!

Kagen Restaurant Details:

• Located below the Original Hatsune on Guanghua Lu
• B1/F, Bldg C, Heqiao Dasha, 8 Guanghua Donglu, Chaoyang District
• 朝阳区光华东路8号和乔大厦C座地下1层
• Tel: 6583-6830

Animal House: Holiday Benefit for Orphaned Animals

theBeijinger’s Charity Super Quiz 2011

Think you’ve got what it takes to beat out Beijing’s top whiz master? Think you’re the king of utterly useless, random trivia knowledge?  (JUST KIDDING, I revoke my comment about trivia knowledge being useless as I’m sure you can find great use with random facts.)

In any case, I know how seriously hard-core Beijingers get when it comes to pub quizzes – there’s a reason why every freakin’ pub in Beijing hosts their own pub quiz night. So now you can put your knowledge to the test and come out for the ultimate pub quiz of the year – theBeijinger’s Annual Charity Super Quiz, the holy grail of pub quizzes with “tougher questions than ever” and all proceeds going to Ping An Medical Foster Home.

Hosted at Chocolate Club this Sunday, December 11, doors open at 6PM and questions start at 7:30PM. Round up your dream whiz team (tables are limited to teams of 10) and tickets cost RMB 100 including a free drink. 

“Whether you enjoy quizzes, charity or Russian dancers, there’s something in this evening for everyone.” – theBeijinger Team

This year’s event will include the following QuizMasters:

• Karl from Paddy O’Shea’s

• Jim and Anthony from The Kro’s Nest

• Tom from the Black Sun

• Josh from Lush

• Pat from the Green Cap

• Liz at The Stumble Inn

• Graham of the Irish Volunteer

• Julian from Tim’s Texas Bar-B-Q

• Alex from The Brick

• Jonny from The Bookworm

…Like I said before, this is the Holy Grail of Beijing Pub Quizzes!

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, December 11
• Time: 6PM
• Location: Chocolate Club
• Address: 19 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区日坛北路19号
• Tel: 8561 3988
• Website: Click here.