Living La Vida Local: China Prom, Breast Fest and NGO Networking

First things first: Drop everything if you haven’t made copies of your passport/visa yet or gotten your housing registered. It’s certainly better to be safe than sorry, and besides, who wants to live in fear in Beijing until August? For more tips on precautions to take these next few months, click here and here. Once that’s taken care of, you can actually look forward to all the fun going on this week. Other than our Bar & Club Awards, there’s a charity networking event to get you hooked up with local NGOs, a food fair at Central Park offering free massages and breast exams, and last but not least, China’s very own version of a prom tomorrow evening.

Before heading over to our beach-themed bash tomorrow afternoon, you should make time for The Bookworm’s NGO & Charity Networking Day. From 10am to noon, participating charities from all sectors (including Teach for China, RISE Tsinghua, Chi Heng Foundation, and many more) are setting up booths to hand out informational pamphlets and to connect with interested volunteers. If you’ve been hankering to get more involved in the community, here’s your chance. Now is not the time to be lazy.

Later that evening, Starfish Project is hosting its annual China Prom, this year at 4corners. The event functions as both a charity auction and party to raise funds for the women that Starfish Project supports. You can learn more about the work they do here (www.starfish-project.com). Tickets cost RMB 50, and once there you’ll have the chance to win generous prizes at Black Sesame Kitchen, The Hutong, Bodhi Spa, Tranquil Tuesdays and more. While not traditional in every sense, this prom does promise a dance-off and the crowning of a Prom King and Queen. Doors open at 8pm.

Beijing’s very first Pink Day takes place in Central Park on Sunday, May 20 from 1-5pm. The food fair event, also referred to as “Breast Fest,” will feature Beijing restaurant vendors, a bounce house, a charity garage sale, massages and manicures courtesy of Hummingbird Therapeutic Retreat and Wellness Spa, and free breast cancer screenings (including consultations and examinations). All proceeds will go China Breast Cancer Foundation. You can read more about what to expect on LumDimSum's blog. To volunteer or get involved, email pr@hummingbird.net.cn.

Also consider trying out Gift of Hope’s traditional egg carving workshop on May 26, taught by a master craftsman. You can read about our experience with the class here. Anyway, there are many more events worth checking out that weren’t mentioned above that may be better suited to your interests (see below). Enjoy.

EVENTS (MAY 19-26)

May 19
China Prom
A charity auction and party to raise support for Starfish Project. RMB 50. 8pm-late. 4corners (151 0101 4803)

Chinese Kitchen: Yunnan
Try your hand at cooking up Beijing’s “in-cuisine.” RMB 250, RMB 200 (members). 2-4.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Interceltic Fest Noz 2012
Join Beijing’s Celtic communities and friends at this annual bash, which features a traditional Breton music band from France who will perform live music and traditional dances. RMB 20. 3.30pm-2am. Lycée Français International de Pékin (6532 3498) http://bretonspekin.org

Jamie Oliver-Inspired Organic Food Fair
Connect with Beijing’s organic farmers and producers at this organic rooftop fair. Expect talks on composting, urban farming and growing organically in China, plus cooking demonstrations from Hutong chef Sue Zhou. RSVP at events@thehutong.com. RMB 50. 11am-2pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

NGO & Charity Networking Day 2012
This annual event helps organizations share awareness and connect with the local NGO-charity community. Drop by to find out more ways to get involved. Free. 10am-noon. The Bookworm (6586 9507; see Dining directory)

May 20
Pink Day 2012
Also known as “Central Park Breast Fest,” this fun food fair features food vendors, educational sessions, free exams, huge prizes and more. All proceeds go towards the China Breast Cancer Foundation. Free. Noon-5pm. Central Park (no tel)

Speed Dating
Mix, mingle and match – each date lasts just six minutes. Reserve at www.fishbowlevents.com. RMB 150 (includes drink and appetizers). 7pm. Venue TBD

Survival Chinese
Learn just the basics to get by. RMB 200. 10am-noon. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

May 21
Life Drawing Club
Meet others and draw live models. Beginners welcome. Register at events@thehutong.com. RMB 60, RMB 50 (members). 7.30-9.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

May 22
BEEF & I Social Networking
A supportive environment to talk business. Register at info@fcgroup.org. RMB 130, RMB 90 (pre-registered). 7.30pm. Loong Bar, JW Marriott (5908 8906)

Beijing Chocolate Chronicles
Taste your way to a new perspective on chocolate. Learn to make a new chocolate dessert and a savory chocolate creation. RMB 280, RMB 220 (members). 4-6.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

BSK Cooking Class: Vegetarian
Healthy Chinese dishes to keep your body happy, like winter mushrooms and stir-fried bamboo. RMB 300. 10am-1pm. Black Sesame Kitchen (136 9147 4408)

Exploring Chinese Social Trends
Improve your conversational Chinese. RMB 40. 7-8.40pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

May 23
Culinary Walking Tour: Creating Your Own Chinese Kitchen
An action-packed hour focused on food combining and seasonal shopping. RMB 100, RMB 80 (members). 9-10.30am. The Hutong (6404 3355)

May 24
Chinese Through Media
Discuss a new piece of global media every week. For intermediate/advanced learners. RMB 500 (4 sessions). 7-9pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Introduction to Chinese Herbs
Now you’ll know how those medicines at your local pharmacy work. RMB 150. Time TBD. The Hutong (6404 3355)

May 25
Chinese Through Media
See Thursdays. 10am-noon.

Introduction to Green Tea
Find out how to buy, brew and store it. RMB 70, RMB 50 (students). 7-9pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Wine & Woks
Cook up Chinese dishes that revolve around selected wines. RMB 300, RMB 250 (members). 7-9.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

May 26
Departing From China With Pets
Experts tell you all you need to know about taking pets overseas. RSVPs required by May 21 to icvs_china@yahoo.com. Free. 11am-noon. ICVS (8456 1939)

Global Kitchen: Burmese Cuisine
Try your hand at a cuisine that abounds with abundant seafood flavors, spicy kicks and sour essences. RMB 250, RMB 200 (members). 2-4.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Traditional Egg Carving Workshop
Create your own traditional Chinese egg carving gift in a hutong, under Master Ma’s guidance. Proceeds go towards Gift of Hope. Register at opend@giftofhope-ysy.com (name/contact number). RMB 160. 2-5pm. Master Ma’s Hutong Yard (no tel)

Ongoing
Mother’s Day Promo: Women’s Health Exams
Special rates are available for mammograms (RMB 650) and pap smears (RMB 400) for this month only. By appointment only (please mention the promotion). Beijing 21st Century Hospital (8444 6168)