On August 24, the Wharton Club of Shanghai hosted the first of what it hopes will become an annual event — a Summer Charity Concert to raise funds for underprivileged children in rural China. The event was a months-long initiative for Shanghai Club board members looking to give back while celebrating the talent of their own children, five of whom played piano at the benefit concert. Club member Ingrid Xu Sun W93 also sang opera at the event.
From left to right: Wharton Club of Shanghai board member Yao Yao WG14, president Richard Zhang WG03, vice chair of Chunhui Zili Zhang WG05, and Penn Club of Shanghai president Renee Yidan Shi GED11
“Many alumni have k-to-12-aged kids,” says Wharton Club of Shanghai president Richard Zhang WG03. “They realize their kids are privileged and want to get them involved in helping kids who are less fortunate than they are, hence developing a mind of service at a young age.”
Angela Hu, daughter of Yan Zhang WG21, performed at the event.
Through concert ticket sales, auctions of paintings made by the schoolchildren along with donated artwork, and generous financial contributions from alumni, the event raised $250,000 RMB ($35,000 USD). Proceeds will go toward purchasing computers for rural classrooms and benefit Chunhui, an organization that provides relief for orphans suffering from severe illnesses.
Alumni and their children came together to make the event a success.
Zhang says he plans to institutionalize the event and provide continued support for the children each summer, adding “Giving back to the community to serve the public good, drive societal progress, and quest for positive impact is the Wharton Way.”
