Annual Celebration Raises Funds for Orphans

August 3, 2009

The China Care Foundation held its annual benefit celebration in Greenwich, CT, on Saturday, June 20, 2009, and raised $900,000 to help provide medical care to orphaned children in China.

Founder Matt Dalio addresses the crowdDespite rainy weather and an economic recession 350 special guests came out to support the Westport-based nonprofit that provides critical medical care to children in China who have lost their families and who suffer from a range of health problems, from minor to life-threatening.

“I know this is a tough year for everybody,” remarked China Care President and Founder Matt Dalio as he addressed the crowd, “but, despite the challenges, we are all lucky to have the things that matter: a roof above our heads, a meal on our table and, most importantly, loved ones surrounding us.” Dalio reminded his guests that not everyone is that lucky. “These children need our help, no matter how big or small, even if all you can give is the $5 in your pocket.”

Guests having fun...The audience responded by donating cash and bidding on items at the evening’s silent auction. Winning bidders walked away with adventure trips to Africa and Islamorada in the Florida Keys, tickets and field passes to see the New York Giants and cultural experiences to Broadway and Sotheby’s – just to name a few. One lucky bidder even walked away with a Gibson guitar signed by the two remaining Beatles – Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr!

All proceeds from the evening’s festivities will go to help the children cared for by China Care since China Care’s Board of Directors underwrites all the event costs.

This marks a significant time for China Care as the Foundation announced a partnership earlier in the year with another nonprofit, Half the Sky Foundation, in an effort to improve the lives of more children. ...and checking out the auction.Dalio invited China Care’s current Executive Director Brent Johnson on stage as well as Half the Sky Foundation Executive Director Jenny Bowen to commemorate how well the two organizations complement one another. Since its founding in 2000, China Care has given more than 600 children life-changing surgeries, placed more than 400 into loving foster families, made it possible for nearly 200 special needs children to get adopted – and have a family of their own, and in the process empowered thousands of young Americans to make a difference by joining China Care clubs.
 

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