34TH ANNIVERSARY CHARITY DINNER

The Australian Chinese Charity Foundation held its annual fundraising dinner on Saturday, 26th October 2024, at the “Eight” Restaurant in Haymarket. The event was graced by 325 guests, including distinguished attendees such as The Hon. Paul Fletcher MP, Mr. Jason Li MP, Mr. Tim James MP, The Hon. Philip Ruddock AO & Mrs. Heather Ruddock, The Hon. Nick Greiner AC, Ms. Monica Tudehope MP, Mr. Scott Yung, Cr. Nancy Liu, Cr. Barbara Ward, and Cr. Michael Ng.

MC – Ms Melody Zhu and Ms Amara Sun

National Anthem, Led by Dr Peter Wong AM, Mr Victor Yeung JP

Welcome Address by Dr. Michael Tse, ACCF Chairman

Dance Performance by Sydney Hills Garden Shire Chinese Folk Art Inc

Mr Jason Li MP, Assistant Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, State member for Strathfield representing The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW

Mr Scott Yung, Federal Liberal Candidate for Bennelong representing The Hon. Peter Dutton MP, Federal Opposition Leader

Mr Tim James MP, State Member for Willoughby, Shadow Minister for Small Business, Shadow Minister for Fair Trading, Work Health and Safety and Building representing The Hon. Mark Speakman SC MP, Leader of the Opposition in NSW

Table wine and lucky door prize sponsored by Handpicked Wines & The Lucky winners are Nicole He and Christine Mok

Photo with ACCF Councillors, Committee Members, Funds & Grants & Volunteers

Photo with Legacy Fund Donors, Hudson Chen KC*HS Memorial Grant, Patrons, Trustees, Sponsors & Donors

Photo with Community Representatives & Local Councillors

Induction of New Patrons – Dr Dominic Pak, Ms Faith Tan & New Trustee – Ms Hei Man Ng

The highlight of this dinner is the announcement of funding $141,500 to 20 successful projects through the Community Projects Grant.

The theme for the 2024-25 Community Projects Grant, Let’s talk about mental health, aims to fund community initiatives that support people who are affected by mental illness. We received a strong number of expressions of interest from services across Australia.

Ms Cecilia Tsai, Funds & Grants Assessment Committee Chairman, introduced following recipients and projects.

While evaluating the applications, the Assessment Committee took into consideration of a project’s relevance, the applicant’s experience in delivering projects, as well as the applicant’s ability to address gaps of service, and disproportionate challenges faced by disadvantaged groups such as First Nations people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, young people and people in rural and remote areas.

The 20 successful projects will be delivered in 2025 to raise awareness about mental illness, reduce mental illness stigma, support families and carers of people experiencing mental illness and provide peer support and education on mental illness, in metropolitan and regional NSW, South Australia and Victoria.

Cheque presentation

Mr Morad Wasile, St Merkorious Charity – 2023 Funds & Grants Recipient Speech
Rhodes Homeless Outreach Service Program

Ms Melody Zhu, Ms Isabella Pak, Ms Nicole Zhao, Young ACCF Speech on mental health

This year, ACCF is proud to support The Refugee Council of Australia as our charity beneficiary. Big thanks to the generosity of Hudson Chen KC*HS Memorial Grant, our Legacy Fund donors, Patrons, Trustees, members, sponsors, donors and guests, we have successfully raised $30,000 to support their mental health initiatives “Refugee Stories for Change Program”.

Ms Deena Yako, Refugee Ambassador from Refugee Council of Australia

Cheque presentation

Auctioneer – Dr Peter Wong assisted by Mr Scott Yung

Private seafood banquet for 10 people at The Eight, Haymarket, or Zilver, Chatswood (available for dining after December 2024). Valued at $1,800 – Donated by Zilver Group, Mr Henry Tang.
2008 Vintage Penfolds Grange. Valued at $1,155 – Donated by Dr. Peter Wong AM.

Winning bidder – Mr Allan Lam

Sterling silver, 18K white gold-plated, set with South African green amethysts in three assorted shapes, featuring Colombian emeralds set across each amethyst. – Donated by Royal Jewellery, Mr Peter Ching.

Winning bidder – Ms Fiona Xing

90cm x 75cm “Uncle” Anh Do hand signed limited edition giclee print and numbered 3/100 with Certificate of Authenticity – Donated by Ms Ruby Teng.
Artwork is professionally framed with high quality anti-reflection glass with UV protection – Donated by In The Picture, Wahroonga & Ms Ruby Teng.
Two tickets to see The Happiest Refugee live show and a signed book by Anh Do – Donated by A-List Entertainment

Winning bidder – Mr Jay Jay Xu

2016 Penfolds Grange Bin 95 – Donated by Ms Mei Cheng

Winning bidder – Ms Faith Tan

Performance by Ms Regina Ma

Vote of Thanks – Ms. Ruby Teng, Event & Vice Chairman

The Australian Chinese Charity Foundation extends our sincere gratitude to all our sponsors, donors, guests, performers, volunteers, media friends, and vendors. Without your support, this event would not have been possible.

Together, we are making a significant difference in our community. Thank you for your generosity and commitment.

Heartfelt thanks to our 2024 Annual Dinner Donors/Sponsors:

Diamond sponsor: