Life

Filling a hunger to help out the needy

By Todd Balazovic (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-11-01 07:57

Guests at Mosto enjoy the offerings of chef Daniel Urdaneta at last year's charity event. [Photo/China Daily]

A total of 330 people, 46 hosts and 32 restaurants are joining forces to raise cash for three Beijing-based charities and that's just for starters, Todd Balazovic discovers

For do-gooders looking to dine while donating, the Chi Fan for Charity is philanthropy at its tastiest.

The second annual Chi Fan for Charity, to be held on Nov 6, will give Beijingers the chance to eat to make a difference as hundreds of expats sit down to meals donated by 32 local restaurants and hosted by prominent Beijing personalities.

Hosts include CCTV presenter and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador James Chau, art critic Karen Smith and movie director Chen Daming.

"I think everyone wants to be charitable, it's just a matter of getting over that hump. This is a way to be charitable by doing something you're probably going to do anyway," said Michael Crain, creator of the Chi Fan for Charity and CEO of consulting firm MDC Strategies.

Restaurants available for the charity range from sultry soul food at NOLA New Orleans restaurant to opulent fare at LAN Club.

Prices also range depending on the restaurant with meals going from 500 to 1,000 yuan per person.

"My philosophy is to always do what you do best," he said. "I can't build a house but I can gather people and get people together. The restaurants can do what they do best and cook a great meal and provide a nice place to eat it."

Last year, Chi Fan for Charity helped raise more than 100,000 yuan for the Dandelion Middle School, Beijing's only charitable middle school focused on providing education for migrant children.

Zheng Hong, principal of the school, said the money went to repair their schoolhouse, located in an old factory, and helped provide educational materials.

"People like Michael are so supportive," Zheng said.

"The students may not all know their names but they do know they are being supported. This increases their confidence and helps them realize they're special in someone's heart."

But this year, the charities have grown to including Prevention Through Education, an HIV/AIDS awareness program, and Rural Women, an NGO dedicated to teaching technical skills to countryside women.

With twice as many restaurants and three times the number of charities, Crain said he hopes to double last year's figure.

"This year I wanted the project to be more than just me; I wanted to get others involved," he said.

"With seats filling up quickly, we should easily be able to meet last year's goal and hopefully take it a step further."

Brandon Trowbridge, NOLA's star chef, said he is creating a special recipe never tried before, just for the event.

"It's something worth getting involved in," Trowbridge said.

"It's something special and I want to give these people a good time and most importantly, a unique dining experience."

Chi Fan for Charity has been the subject of concern for organizers over the past few months, but for participants, the event is expected to be a breeze.

"It feels as if you don't have to do anything," said Bonbon Bins Product Director Lindsi Kalani Bradbury, who will attend the event.

"We would have had to go out for dinner with our friends anyway, so it is fantastic to see our friends and support charities at the same time."

Top: Chi Fan for Charity organizers present a check for 100,000 yuan to Dandelion Middle School in 2009. Above: Michael Crain, creator of Chi Fan for Charity.