LumDimSummary: Haiti Rise 2.0

While many are familiar with the immediate destruction and catastrophic damage of the 7.0 earthquake just west of Port-au-Prince in Haiti on January 12, 2010, many don’t know about the devastating after-effects of the earthquake. In the weeks following, there were 59 aftershocks of magnitude 4.5 or greater, there was a the cholera outbreak in October 2010, Hurricane Tomas in early November 2010 and political violence after the November 28th elections, which have all left Haiti in shambles still.

One year ago, JUMP! foundation and LumDimSum launched the Haiti Rise Campaign to raise immediate relief post-earthquake. Garnering tremendous support from the Beijing community, together we raised over RMB 430,000 in just two weeks, which were donated to Partners in Health (www.standwithhaiti.org) and Global Potential (www.global-potential.org).

One year after the initial Haiti Rise Campaign, JUMP! hosted an informational event on January 12th, 2011 featuring Tara Yip-Bannicq, Haiti-based humanitarian aid worker who has spent the past year and a half in Haiti working in community development, shelter, child protection and youth engagement.

“I have yet to encounter a single Haitian who has not been directly been affected by the earthquake whether through losing a family member, a limb or a house. The sheer magnitude, not of the quake itself, but of it’s overall effects, is what is the most devastating.” – Tara Yip-Bannicq, Haiti-based Humanitarian Aid Worker

Due to the damage from the earthquake, consequent tsunami, coinciding hurricane, local economy and lack of inherent infrastructure present in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas of the epicenter (Leogane and Gressier), it is estimated that over 3 million are directly affected with over a million people still living in IDP (internally displaced person) camps, which lack basic access to clean water and latrines, making it the perfect environment for cholera to spread.  Other problems that continue to plague locals are the lack of jobs available to people and the sheer amount of rubble that has yet to be cleared.  Lack of funding for rubble removal and the question of where to put it all, are hindrances to clearing the rubble, making it hard to rebuild Haiti.

“Overall, Haiti is a very frustrating place to work, both personally and professionally due to the all-encompassing obstacles (lack of functioning government, lack of infrastructure, cholera, security restrictions (lack of personal freedom), etc, etc) but it is also very rewarding work. A friend of mine recently described Haitian culture as really ‘getting under your skin’ in a good way; meaning this vibrant, resilient culture and people really inspire me, as cliche as that sounds.

There is a lot of work to still be done in Haiti and there will be, probably for the rest of my lifetime, at least. So, if anyone is interested in helping out either financially or volunteering, for a week, a month, 3 months, I highly recommend the following community-based initiatives, which are doing a lot of good from the bottom-up; horizontally; and top-down.”

*If you are seriously considering volunteering in Haiti, Tara requests that you contact her first (tara@jumpfoundation.org) so she can properly brief you about staying/working in Haiti and make sure you get in with the organization of your choosing.

List of Organization Recommended by Tara Yip-Bannicq:

Community-based initiatives:

1. European Disaster Volunteers (Edvolunteers.org): volunteer driven, registered charity that does post-disaster reconstruction through community-based work, both structural and educational.  *Tara’s top pick
   • US link specifically for disaster recovery: http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/edv-haiti-disaster-recovery/ (specifically for Disaster Recovery)
   • US link specifically for education for children: http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/education-for-children-in-port-au-prince/?rf=matched3x (specifically for Education for Children)
   • Any donations made to EDV via US links with the mention of Haiti Rise or Beijing will be matched 3 to 1. Thus, a donation of $1 would become $3 ifHaiti Rise or Beijing is mentioned in the donation.
   • UK link: http://www.justgiving.com/project/1777657
2. Grass Roots United (Grassrootsunited.org): a globally deployable, non-profit, emergency response model and pioneering transition to capacity building. GRU connects affected communities with volunteers, resources, and partner relief organizations.
3. All Hands Volunteers (Hands.org): a US-based NGO providing hands-on assistance to survivors of natural disasters around the world, with maximum impact and minimum bureaucracy. (*where Tara first got her first taste of disaster response/relief in Indonesia)
4. Resilience International (Resilienceinternational.org): international organization working to build a new, sustainable model for community-based recovery after disasters.

Youth-focused initiatives:

1. The JUMP! Foundation (Jumpfoundation.org): an international NGO that envisions a world where young people fulfill their true potential as individuals, community leaders, and global citizens. It provides experiential education and leadership training to youth all over the world, and a percentage of its revenue supports youth-focused development work in Haiti, Cambodia, and China.
2. Global Potential (Global-potential.org): a project of Globalhood, which aims to provide urban youth from low-income communities with the skills and perspectives to affect positive change in their lives, communities, and the global community.
   • Haiti Open Space Youth Conferences: a collaborative project between JUMP! and Global Potential that brings together youth from rural and urban neighborhoods in the US, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic to discuss issues relevant to Haiti, especially those that are often forgotten. Past topics have included the reconstruction of Haiti, sexual orientation, racism, and HIV/AIDS.
3. Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights (Heartlandalliance.org): a NGO that helps people living in poverty or danger improve their lives and realize their human rights. Through its diverse programs, Heartland Alliance serves people in the toughest circumstances including survivors of violence, torture, war, and people living in extreme hardship or poverty.
4. Nouvelle Vie Youth Corps (Nouvelleviehaiti.org): a project of the International Association for Human Values through which Haitian youth are rebuilding their country through community empowerment and sustainable community development progra

LumDimSum Snapshots of Haiti Rise 2.0:

JUMP!’s Global Leadership Project Launch

If I didn’t already have multiple jobs that I love dedicating my time and energy to, I would probably be working full-time with JUMP! foundation.

The same group LumDimSum teamed up with to initiate the Haiti Rise Campaign that raised over RMB 430,000 last January 2009, JUMP! foundation is a non-profit organization that links underprivileged youth with international resources and creates team building and leadership programs to inspire, engage and empower youth through sustainable community development projects all over Asia, Africa, Southeast Asia and Central America. Each of these tailor-made programs highlight themes of “responsible travel, cultural understanding and career development abroad”.

Join this international discussion and learn about their exciting upcoming projects at their upcoming Global Leadership Project Launch this coming Thursday, January 20 and find out how you can possibly get involved with a network of incredible individuals dedicated to making a difference in the world, taking action on poverty, the environment and other global issues.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, January 20
• Time: 5:00PM-8:00PM
• Location: JUMP! Foundation Office
• Address: Victoria Gardens, 15 Chaoyang Park West Road
• RSVP: Call 6538 6842 or e-mail: Safia@jumpfoundation.org
• Website: www.jumpfoundation.org

1 Year Later: Haiti Rise 2.0

About one year ago, LumDimSum and JUMP! foundation joined forces and created the Haiti Rise Campaign where Beijingers united and generously contributed to bring immediate aid to Haiti during a time of desperate need, raising a grand total of over RMB 430,000 in just 2 weeks!

Nearly one year later, JUMP! will be hosting an informational event this Wednesday, January 12th from 7:00 – 8:30PM at NOLA Cafe featuring JUMP’s on-the-ground contact, Tara Yip-Bannicq, who will be giving a presentation and an update of where Haiti stands one year after the earthquake.

Join JUMP! for an informal discussion on the current status in Haiti and find out how you can get involved.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2010
• Time: 7:00-8:30PM
• Location: NOLA Cafe
• Address: A-11 Xiushui Street South, Ritan 建国门外秀水南街11号  Tel: 8563-6215

CW Spotlights HAITI RISE

HAITI RISE Campaign Finale Party @ Hatsune Sanlitun Village Spotlighted on the Home Page of CityWeekend:

Date: Thursday, February 4

Location: Hatsune Sanlitun Village

Photos courtesy of EventPod.

RMB 72,200 was raised within three hours of the Haiti Rise Campaign Finale Party.

GRAND TOTAL RAISED FROM THE HAITI RISE CAMPAIGN: RMB 430,935

For a full gallery of photos from HAITI RISE Finale Campaign: http://eventpod.smugmug.com/Charity/HAITI-RISE-Campaign-Finale/11168584_ytPp7#782898775_8nTA9

LumDimSummary of the HAITI RISE Campaign

In only three hours, the HAITI RISE Campaign Finale Party raised a total of RMB 72,200!

A BIG Thank You to everyone who came out and for actively doing your part to bring change in the world.

Every little bit counts, and in this case, we did pretty, pretty good. 

LumDimSummary of the HAITI RISE Total Breaking Down:

Jan. 22, Campaign Launch @ The Bookworm: RMB 103,768

Jan 24-Feb. 3, Eat for Haiti Campaign: RMB 175,600

Jan. 30, Model Citizen Auction Party @ BLING: RMB 59,601

Feb. 4th, Campaign Finale @ Hatsune Sanlitun: RMB 72,200

GRAND TOTAL FROM THE HAITI RISE CAMPAIGN: RMB 430,935

(includes Personal Donations & Haiti Rise Apparel Sales)

For a glimpse of the night’s shenanigans, check out the LumDimSum Photo Gallery courtesy of EventPod Photography:

For a full gallery of photos from HAITI RISE Finale Campaign: http://eventpod.smugmug.com/Charity/HAITI-RISE-Campaign-Finale/11168584_ytPp7#782898775_8nTA9

‘Model Citizens’ Raise RMB 53,500

…And the numbers are in!

With about 13 models & including Bling’s very own DJ KEZA, David, Hill & myself included, the ‘HAITI RISE’ auction raised a total of RMB 53,500 for Haiti!

Thank you to all models for being good sports, to all the big ballers who placed their bids (thank you Gireesh for bidding on me!), to Wes for being the best MC of all time, to Bling for hosting the auction, and a BIG shout out to Tami Zhao for the brilliant idea, for making this happen and for closing the event with the biggest sell of RMB 14,000!!  DAMMMNNNN GIRL!! 

Check out the Model Citizen ‘HAITI RISE’ Party @ BLING with LumDimSum Photo Gallery:

CRI Interview with LumDimSum

See below an interview by China Radio International (CRI) featuring LumDimSum as the event coordinator for the HAITI RISE Relief Campaign and our string of fundraising events.

With a goal of raising 200,000RMB in two weeks for quak-stricken Haiti, you can do your part to contribute by participating through some or all of our upcoming events from my “Eat for Haiti” initiative, Model Citizen Party @ BLING this Saturday & last but not least, the “Celebrate for Haiti” Campaign Finale Party @ Hatsune Sanlitun on Thursday, February 4th.

Please come out to support Haiti!  Every little bit helps.

Details for how you can contribute is included in the video and below.

For voucher sales & “Eat for Haiti” info, please contact me: kristen@lumdimsum.com

Funds raised during the RISE UP Campaign will go directly to the following NGOs, to support their relief and development work in Haiti:

Partners in Health – PIH has been providing medical services on the ground in Haiti for over 20 years. www.standwithhaiti.org

Global Potential - Empowering Youth. Engaging Communities. Inspiring Change. www.global-potential.org

Link to CRI site:  http://english.cri.cn/7146/2010/01/28/2361s546251.htm

Now This is Worth Trying

Considering “Eat for Haiti” only lasts 10 days, I’ve been making the most of it by dining and supporting as many “HAITI RISE” restaurants as possible.

Before these 10 days fly by, I want to encourage every foodie in Beijing to go out and literally EAT FOR HAITI. Each voucher is RMB 200, which can be used in any participating “HAITI RISE” restaurant, so that’s RMB 200 off your total bill, and each restaurant will donate 100RMB directly to the HAITI RISE Fund. THIS EVENT ENDS ON WED. (FEB. 3)  SO PLEASE BUY NOW! (contact me directly to purchase vouchers).

It’s a great excuse to rally your friends and organize dinner parties and have a great night knowing you are supporting a worthy cause.

Now here’s a story to hopefully motivate you and get you into gear to make a difference and have fun while you’re at it:

Tonight, Tami Zhao organized a dinner party for a dozen of our close friends at The Meat & Wine Co., in addition to the fact that she holds the record so far for selling 150 vouchers alone.  She’s a mad woman. To call her a superstar would be an understatement.  She’s beyond phenomenal and I can not express my gratitude and

Meat & Wine Co.'s Flame Grilled Skewers

amazement in all her efforts to support the HAITI RISE relief campaign.

Back to dinner at my favorite steakhouse…

Interestingly enough, half the table ordered the various Flame-Grilled Skewers, whether it was Angus beef, chicken or seafood, each skewer was impressively presented to the table on a tall, serious skewer display and I would have been jealous of not having my meat served on a sword if I was not madly in love with what I ordered.

The cooler side of the table (my side of course), all ordered the highly recommended ‘Surf and Turf’: 180g Rump steak served on a bed of crushed baby potatoes, mushrooms, prawns, cherry tomatoes, asparagus and red wine jus with truffle oil (RMB 198).  The presentation may not have been as original as the big sword skewer, but the combination of rump steak with the potatoes, mushrooms, shrimp, sauce, everything melted in my mouth and I became so absorbed in my dish, I think I stopped speaking for the rest of the meal.  That’s how good it was. Upon finishing my meal, I immediately texted Meat & Wine Co.’s marketing manager, Darah Roslyn to tell her that the “Surf and Turf is quite possibly the most amazing thing I’ve tried in a long time. It really blew me away.” I really don’t think I could think of a better way to enjoy and use up one of my RMB 200 “Eat for Haiti” vouchers as it was worth every last fen.

But let’s not forget my favorite part of each meal – dessert.  I ordered the Warm Chocolate & Pistachio

Meat & Wine Co.'s Chocolate Fondante

Fondante - warm dark chocolate fondante with a white chocolate and pistachio heart served with vanilla ice cream (RMB 88).  Warm, gooey rich chocolate that oozes all over the plate combined with sweet ice cream is a killer combination.  And not to mention, the portion is massive.  One order is good to share between 3 people…unless you have a sweet tooth and weakness for chocolate like me, in which case, I would recommend to just share between two.

For anyone who has yet to dine in The Meat & Wine Co., I would advise for you to order their prime cuts of steak, imported wines, Surf and Turf, desserts, and I hear their Portuguese Chicken also comes highly recommended.

Rating of Meat & Wine Co.: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 9
• Atmosphere: 8
• Service: 8
• Overall Experience: 9

Tips:  Swap the french fries for mashed potatoes and Every Tuesday, Ribs are two-for-one!

Model Citizen Auction Party @ BLING

This Saturday, January 30, HAITI RISE will be hosting a Model Citizen Auction Party @ BLING.

This is going to be the BEST PARTY EVER!!!!    Please help me spread the word!!!

100% of Auction bids will be donated directly to Partners in Health – PIH has been providing medical services on the ground in Haiti for over 20 years. www.standwithhaiti.org

Event Details:

Model Citizens @ BLING

Model Citizen Auction Party by “HAITI RISE” Relief Campaign @ BLING

With the tragedy that has struck Haiti and left Port-Au-Prince in disaster, everyone is trying to do their part in helping out, including some of Beijing’s top models! Bling will be hosting an auction for your chance to go on a dinner-date with some of the hottest ladies in Beijing! Courtesy of BLING, there’s a chance that even the SEXY DJ Keza will be up for grabs along with other handsome bachelors.

Bids for all “Model Citizens” start at RMB 100, CASH ONLY and 100% will go to Partners in Health.

In addition, 20% of all bottle purchases will also be donated to the Partners in Health by the HAITI RISE Relief Campaign. So do your part and come party and makes some bids for HAITI.

Be a Model Citizen. Exclusively @ BLING.

Date: Saturday, January 30
Party Starts at 9pm.
Live Auction Starts at Midnight.

See you Saturday!!!!

Half Way There…

Thank you for supporting the HAITI RISE campaign kick-off celebration!

Your participation in this campaign, and your overwhelming generosity on Friday, our campaign launch at The Bookworm, demonstrated the solidarity the Beijing community has shown for Haiti.

At the end of the night, we raised RMB 11,765. However, after personal and organizational matching an AMAZING 1:7 donation match was set up. Meaning every RMB100 you gave became RMB700.

IN TOTAL: USD 15,200 or approximately RMB 103,846 was donated to Partners In Health’s STAND WITH HAITI Campaign.

Last night, our donations were sent to PIH and will soon be on the ground in Haiti, enabling PIH to continue to partner with Haitians to build back better.

Ophelia Dahl, Director of Partners In Health, sent us a message which includes a special shout out to the Beijing community.

This is the start of a campaign focused on funding and promoting sustainable development in Haiti.

Don’t forget, you are invited to join HAITI RISE for more events.

Beijing, RISE UP for HAITI

‘HAITI RISE’ RELIEF CAMPAIGN

Funds raised during the RISE UP Campaign will go directly to the following NGOs, to support their relief and development work in Haiti: Partners in Health – PIH has been providing medical services on the ground in Haiti for over 20 years. www.standwithhaiti.org
Global Potential - Empowering Youth. Engaging Communities. Inspiring Change. www.global-potential.org

3. Eat for Haiti
Dates: Sunday, January 24 – Wednesday, February 3

**Complete List of participating restaurants:

End of Campaign Party @ Hatsune in Sanlitun Village.

9:30pm-1:00am

Entrance Fee is RMB 100 (includes one drink), donated directly to the HAITI RISE Fund.
50% of all additional proceeds will be donated directly to the HAITI RISE Fund.

for more info on campaign contact – haitirise@jumpfoundation.org
for more info on events contact – kristen@lumdimsum.com

Step Aside Blue Frog

This Wednesday, January 20th, come to All-Star Sports Bar & Grill to discuss the upcoming ‘Haiti Rise’ fundraiser event (headed by JUMP foundation director Justin Bedard) to directly donate and make a difference to rescue and recover work being done by Partners in Health (www.pih.org)

…plus it’s our amazing weekly promotion:  Buy-One-Get-One-Free Burger Wednesdays!

NEW! All-Star's SteakHouse Burger

Featuring a newly updated menu with an extensive new burger selection, All-Star is treating you to the best burger deal in town.  From our Steakhouse burger and Swiss & Shrooms Burger to our Bacon Blue Cheese Burger, bring a friend and get two-for-one on all new All-Star burgers!

Buy-One-Get-One-Free BURGER WEDNESDAYS

ONLY @ All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

New Burgers @ All-Star include:

SWISS & SHROOMS BURGER RMB 70

Two slices of delectable Swiss Emmental cheese melted onto a charbroiled beef patty together with sautéed mushrooms, crispy pork bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and mayo on a toasted bun to create an exciting twist on a classic flavor combo!

BLUE CHEESE & BACON BURGER RMB 72

If you like blue cheese, you’ll never forget this gourmet burger. Created with all our favorite ingredients from melted blue cheese, pork bacon, arugula, tomatoes, onions and mayo on a toasted bun, the vibrant flavors of blue cheese and smoky bacon are a winning combination made just for your taste buds to celebrate!

HAWAIIAN TERIYAKI CHEESEBURGER RMB 68

Our Hawaiian-inspired burger topped with marinated & grilled pineapple, melted Swiss Emmental cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mayo and our homemade teriyaki glaze on a toasted bun.

THE STEAKHOUSE BURGER RMB 70

Introducing the Ultimate Steakhouse Burger, an icon for the American Dream. Charred beef patty melted with American cheddar cheese, topped with crunchy onion strings, A-1 sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and our special horseradish mayo on a toasted bun.

Round up your crew and come out to All-Star this Wednesday!

(Buy-One-Get-One-Free Burger Special is available every Wednesday)