Celebrating 20 Years of Giving, Learning and Reading: The Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation Anniversary
On September 22, 2024, The Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation hosted a celebration dinner in Shanghai to mark its 20th anniversary. 50 guests joined to celebrate the Foundation’s achievements over the past two decades. Attendees included founding family members, current and former board members, staff, some past NGO partners, and as well as friends who have supported and cared for the Foundation. The evening was filled with gratitude and warmth as everyone reflected on the Foundation’s journey.
Mr. Jack Chen, a fourth-generation family member
Mr. Jack Chen, a fourth-generation family member, kicked off the evening with a heartfelt welcome speech. He expressed deep appreciation to all who have contributed to the Foundation’s success over the years. He emphasized that the Foundation is more than just a family bond, it is a precious legacy passed down through generations, a responsibility that they cherish.
The 20th-anniversary video showcased the Foundation’s journey from its inception, rooted in a sincere original aspiration to “do more good things for society” always with early childhood education as it’s focus. Over the past two decades, the Foundation has cultivated three reading organizations: Bring Me A Book (Hong Kong), Feng Zikai Chinese Children’s Picture Book Award, and the Stone Soup Happy Reading Alliance. Partnering with 129 organizations, the Foundation has funded 208 educational projects, establishing its expertise in childhood literacy.
Representatives from the Stone Soup Happy Reading Alliance, with Mr. James Chen &
Mrs. Su Lee Chen
At the dinner, representatives from the Stone Soup Happy Reading Alliance presented heartfelt gifts to the foundation. One was a calligraphy piece that reads, “Twenty years of gentle influence, bearing abundant fruits”, expressing gratitude for the Foundation’s ongoing support for the Alliance schools.
Former Stone Soup Consultant, Mr. Robert
Shanghai Reading to Kids NGO Executive Director, Ms. Sun Jia
Feng Zikai Chinese Children’s Picture Book Award Consultant, Professor Fang Weiping
In addition, we heard from former Stone Soup consultant Robert, Shanghai Reading to Kids NGO executive director Sun Jia and Feng Zikai Chinese Children’s Picture Book Award consultant Fang Weiping who all shared their fond memories of working with the Foundation and the Award and offered their blessings for the Foundation’s future.
Mr. James Chen, Chair of The Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation
At the end of the gala dinner, Mr. James Chen, the Chair of the Foundation, delivered a closing speech. ” Twenty years ago, the Chen Yet Sen Family Foundation was launched, a bittersweet memory for me as the Foundation charter was the last document my father signed before he died. We embarked on a mission to empower young minds through reading. Reflecting on our achievements over the past twenty years, I am sure my father would be filled with the same immense pride and gratitude as I am feeling tonight. Thank you for joining us to celebrate two decades of giving, learning, and reading.” He expressed his gratitude to everyone for attending the 20th anniversary event, celebrating past achievements, and looking forward to the journey ahead.
Two decades have turned a page in history, ushering in a new chapter. In the future, the Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation will join hands with new partners to continue and expand the Foundation’s philanthropic work on childhood literacy in Mainland China, aiming to encourage children to enjoy reading and to develop a lifelong habit of reading and learning.
