AmCham to Host 'Bright Lights, Big Cities' 2016 American Ball

Bright Lights, Big Cities is the theme of this year’s American Ball in Beijing, hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, on Saturday, May 14, at 6.30pm.

This year’s ball is returning to the heart of the city, with the same appeal to the broad American community and with the same emphasis on contributing to the development of Chinese society. More than 400 guests are expected for a night of fun and philanthropy.    

For 2016, the proceeds from sponsored tables as well as live and silent auctions will be donated to charities chosen by the platinum sponsors: the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Juniper Networks.    

The NBA chose to support the Yao Ming Foundation, established in June 2008 by international NBA Star Yao Ming in response to the devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province that year.

"NBA China has been striving to positively impact Chinese children and families through basketball," said David Shoemaker, CEO of NBA China. "The Yao Foundation’s devotion to the wellbeing and development of underprivileged Chinese youth resonates with our long-term commitment in social responsibility in China. We will continue working with Yao and the Yao Foundation to grow the game of basketball and improve the quality of life in Chinese communities."    

Juniper Networks has chosen to support Teach For China, which was established in 2008 and is enlisting the most promising young leaders from China and to ensure that one day, every child enjoys access to a quality education. They recruit outstanding Chinese college graduates and train them to serve as full-time teachers (“Fellows”) in under-resourced Chinese schools. Fellows spend two years working relentlessly in their classrooms to equip students with academic and life skills. They leave their Fellowship not only with invaluable professional and leadership experience but with a deep understanding of and commitment to solving China’s educational challenges. As alumni, they will form a force for change working to create an education system that equips all of China’s children for success. Since our founding eight years ago, 750 Teach For China Fellows have served in 170 high-need schools across China’s Yunnan and Guangdong provinces and impacted more than 830,000 students.    

AmCham China has been holding charity balls in Beijing since 2003. Over the years, these events have raised almost RMB 9 million, helping more than 20 charities.

For this year’s American Ball, sponsorships are still available. For more information, please visit the website, email theamericanball@amchamchina.org, or call 150 0111 4037.

The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AmCham China) is a non-profit organization which represents US companies and individuals doing business in China. AmCham China's membership comprises more than 3,500 individuals from over 1,000 companies. It has more than 40 industry- and issue-specific forums and committees, offers unique services such as the Business Visa Program, holds a wide range of networking and informational events, and meets with US and Chinese officials to discuss challenges and opportunities facing US firms doing business in China. The Chamber's mission is to help American companies succeed in China through advocacy, information, networking and business support services. For more information, visit amchamchina.org.

Photo courtesy of the American Chamber of Commerce in China