Recap | A Successful Red Ribbon Gala 2019! | 上海骄傲节 ShanghaiPRIDE

SHANGHAI – The 2019 edition of the Red Ribbon Gala, hosted by Q-Events and ShanghaiPRIDE, and supported by Platinum Sponsor Bayer China and venue sponsor Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai, was a resounding success, raising a total of CNY 138,606.99 for Shanghai Qingai Health Center in honor of the 32nd World AIDS Day.

Shanghai Qingai Health Center is a charity organization established by a group of young adults to educate China’s youth about sexual health, safe sex practices and HIV/AIDS prevention. Because HIV diagnoses are on the rise among college students, Shanghai Qingai Health Center educates young adults on how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs/STDs), including HIV/AIDS. The center also fights discrimination and helps individuals living with HIV to improve their quality of life. Funds raised at this year’s gala will help them provide psychological care and physical wellbeing for individuals living with HIV and their families. Shanghai Qingai Health Center was registered with the Civil Affairs Bureau in 2010 and became the first HIV/AIDS prevention organization to register with the bureau in the country. At the same time, Ai Fund, their HIV/AIDS prevention charity fund was set up under the Shanghai Charity Foundation Jing’an Branch. The fund is used for HIV/AIDS prevention awareness and care for young people.

Over 230 esteemed guests attended the charity gala to show their support for Shanghai Qingai Health Center’s important work. Once guests were seated, a beautifully choreographed red ribbon dance expressing hope for the future opened the evening. The delectable four-course dinner was accompanied by speeches, live musical performances from violinist Yuan, keyboardist Lin, jazz vocalist Daya Denise and guest DJ Michelle Grant, as well as a series of raffle draws for exciting prizes.

In her welcome speech, gala organizer Darick Qin emphasized the importance of raising awareness about sex education and HIV/AIDS prevention. She shared the strong community support she witnessed as a volunteer at the AidsLifeCycle in California, stating: “When I look at everyone here – we are all here for the same reason, full of love and support – I can see the hope of ending AIDS.”

Shanghai Qingai Health Center representative Ben also gave a moving speech about finding his community at the health center. After contracting lung disease and being diagnosed with HIV, Ben went on to become the support group leader for individuals living with HIV, providing psychological counselling and emotional support. Red Ribbon Gala co-founder Henk Meyknecht gave a speech expressing his pride in the gala’s continued growth and honoring the life of his friend Franck Crouvezier, who organized Shanghai’s first HIV/AIDS awareness charity dinner back in 2005. Boyong Yuan of Bayer China spoke about the company’s commitment to workplace equality and diversity.

This year’s partners included Brander Urstoff, Earth Water, Il Vino, Instaphoto, Nielsen, Pure Experiential Communications Agency, Les Roches, Tanghui, Tequila Rose and Tito’s Vodka. Table buyers this year included 壹家公益人, Acrylic Mode, Andaz & Friends, Design Union & Guests, Happy Unicorns, Henk & Friends, Jiahui Health Care, Joaquin & Friends, Life Aligned & Jiaha Institute, Lucca390, Mr. Willis, Sigrid & Friends, Simon & Friends, and The Walt Disney Company China. More than 40 hotel, food & beverage, beauty & fitness, and lifestyle businesses donated over 120 raffle prizes this year.

ShanghaiPRIDE co-founder Raymond Phang moderated the raffle. The winning numbers were drawn by Bu Jiaqing of Shanghai Qingai Health Center, Lin Tao of Q-Events, Darick Qin and Charlene Liu of ShanghaiPRIDE, Boyong Yuan of Bayer China, and Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai General Manager David Tseo, who gave a short speech expressing how meaningful it was to support the cause of HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. Additionally, a silent auction of coveted items like hotel stays at Hyatt Regency Sydney and Kyoto ran throughout the evening, culminating in a live auction after dinner. At the evening’s close, the organizers presented gift bag for all of the gala’s esteemed guests as tokens of appreciation for their generosity.

For volunteer opportunities or to seek support from Shanghai Qingai Health Center, please contact them at 400-691-0694. The Red Ribbon Gala organizers hope that the gala and the work of Shanghai Qingai Health Center will inspire individuals, businesses, communities, media, and governments to continue supporting and advocating for HIV/AIDS prevention, awareness, and anti-discrimination.