Emory China Care Club's (ECCC) Valentine's Date Auction, held the evening of Feb. 7, enticed students with the prospect of a new romantic interest as well as the chance to offer assistance to Chinese children in need of medical help.
During this annual event, Emory students are auctioned on stage for their volunteering to hold a romantic date with the winner. If a romantic date is not quite their cup-of-tea, they can choose to showcase their talents in exchange of a bid. The total amount raised through admission fees and auction money is then donated to Chinese orphans who need surgery.
The club noted that the event would not have taken place if dedicated people did not help make it happen. Emory Chinese Theatre Club (ECTC), sisters of Delta Phi Lambda Sorority and the Emory Tea Ceremony Club were groups who helped the ECCC executive board members with the auction. This year, the organization was able to raise $3,000, with the highest bid rising to $550.
According to College senior Yuka Watanabe, co-president of the club, Emory China Care is part of the National China Care Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps disabled Chinese orphans by providing them with medical care and life-changing surgeries.
ECCC, in association with Beijing-based Half the Sky foundation, distributed the money where needed.
"For the past few years, we have helped numerous children; we received appreciative emails back from the Half the Sky organization, together with photos and rapports on the current conditions of these children," B-school senior and ECCC Co-President Ted Yiyang Zhang said.
By means of the surgeries the children not only receive the chance to a healthy life, but they also improve their chances to be adopted.
One orphan whom the Emory China Care Club helped by means of the Valentine's Date Auction event is MeiNuo, a young orphan from Central Asia who was born with congenital imperforate anus, a defect in which the anus opening is blocked or missing.
The Club was able to raise the money to provide her with the needed anoplasty surgery, which tries to create an opening to the anus. Following the procedure, MeiNuo recovered successfully and is now able to enjoy a healthy childhood.
ECCC plans to hold monthly Charity Bubble Tea Sales in White Hall as well as host the event, "Voice of Emory" and collaborate with the ECTC for a charity yard sale. The funds resulting from these events will also be employed in supplying needed surgeries for Chinese orphans.
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