Fifty-six Fuzhong alumni (form '80 to '09) and friends gathered at Zucchero e Pomodori on the Upper East Side of Manhattan on Saturday March 9 to celebrate the beginning of 7th year for the Fudan Fuzhong Overseas Foundation.
Guests travelling from as far as Hong Kong, California and Minnesota arrived at the 7th Annual Spring Luncheon around noon. As they find their individually reserved seats, Minhua Zhang ('00), Director of Fund Raising, opened the event with warm welcomes.
After the appetizer, keynote speaker James Harmon delivered a thought-provoking speech on his vast experience on Wall Street and at the US government. He talked about his extensive relations and interactions with China both as Chairman and CEO of the US Export-Import bank as well as the Chairman of the World Resource Institute. When asked about his opinion on the environment consequence of the Three Gorges Dam, keys to build an impact-driven NGO and advice for overseas Chinese to give back to China, James eloquently shared his insights and told audience that participation at charities such as FFOF can be a key to long-term relationship building and the giving-back process.
Between the main course and dessert, Minhua on behalf of the Executive Committee delivered the 2012 Annual Work Report. The presentation started with the fund-deployment programs (H-week, Alumni Arts, "Give-a-Hand" Wang Jialian Need-based scholarship, Performing Arts Award, Social Contribution Award and Chemistry Lab Instrument Purchase), followed by alum and school relations and year-round social activities. Minhua then talked about fund-raising statistics and financials. The report concluded with plans and budgets for 2013. Alumni and donors approved and supported the work by FFOF with great enthusiasm. The event raised over US$11,000 for the foundation.
FFOF looks forward to seeing you all again next year!
