Chi Fan For Charity: Supporting the Starfish Project

Chi Fan for Charity is back in Beijing on November 10. Diners get to indulge in three-course meals at some of the city's best restaurants while supporting two worthwhile causes. One of this year's beneficiaries is Starfish Project. The organization provides opportunities for women through alternative employment, counseling, vocational training, language acquisition, family education benefits, health care access and housing. We asked Phillipa Nelson, the Director of Operations and Organizational Development, about how Starfish will benefit from Chi Fan for Charity.

Could you survive without charitable donations raised from events like these?
We could survive because we have a high emphasis upon developing self-sustainability, but we would not be able to offer the range of care we provide, nor would we be able to help as many women. We would not have been able to become the organization we currently are without the charitable donations that have been given over the years and we would not be able to grow or become the organization we need to be in the future without groups and events like CFFC.

How does it make you feel that people run events like this?
We really appreciate how much people, especially in Beijing, support us. The fact that people put in their time and effort just to help us means so much to us as an organization and really encourages us in our work.

What will you do with the money that you receive from this year's CFFC?
The money that is raised from CFFC will allow Starfish to provide employment, shelter and holistic care for more exploited women. The amount raised will directly affect how many women we can offer assistance and employment to.

Do you have a message for the people of Beijing?
Thank you and keep supporting us and great initiatives like CFFC. The needs out there are so great and we so appreciate that you keep supporting us through your donations, purchase of Starfish Project jewelry and volunteer work. We could not do what we do without you!

If you want to grab a seat, you can sign up here, and if your favorite spot is taken, check back regularly in case spots open up.

Photo: starfish-project.com