June 8 — Chinese cultural performance to raise support for Sichuan Earthquake Relief
For many reasons, Americans have been relatively slow to volunteer private relief for victims of the disasters in Burma and China. Now we have a time to step up … and at the same time learn about Chinese culture, and about the newcomers who are making Indianapolis such a more interesting place.
When: Sunday June 8, 2:00 PM
Where: Madame Walker Theatre 617 Indiana Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202
According to a Wahington Post story, Americans are slow to respond to the near simultaneous disasters in Burma and China. The article quotes IU’s Center on Philanthropy, so it must be true. But rather than just having Indiana provide data, let’s see if we can start a shift in private relief from Indiana. According to Susan McKee, the Lilly Foundation (the charitable arm of Eli Lilly, not the Lilly Endowment) is giving $1.1 million to private organizations providing relief in Burma and China:
To help with relief efforts after a massive earthquake in China, the foundation is giving $800,000 in antibiotics, and possibly insulin and mental health medications later. The foundation also will give $175,000 in cash to Project HOPE and Mercy Corps., and will match up to $25,000 in employee contributions to the American Red Cross China Relief Fund.
In Myanmar, where a cyclone and flooding killed thousands, Lilly Foundation will give $100,000 in cash to Save the Children and World Vision.
Nice touch about the match the Foundation is offering to employees since Eli Lilly has several hundred Chinese nationals working in Indianapolis.
We non-Lilly folks can contribute as well. Indianapolis Chinese Performing Arts will host a special variety show at Madame Walker Theatre on Sunday, June 8 to raise money for earthquake victims in Sinchuan. The program will feature Chinese choral music, dances and instrumentals performed by Indy Chinese professional and amateur artists. Admission is $10 and tickets will be available at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, please contact Du Hong via email at indyticket@yahoo.com.
Indianapolis Chinese Performing Arts and Lilly’s Chinese Cultural Network (which is intended to keep its newcomers happy in Indianapolis) will be part of transforming the city’s cultural landscape for the rest of the year: the IMA’s “Power and Glory: Court Arts of China’s Ming Dynasty” exhibit in the fall will have many fascinating associated events, and the International Festival should shortly be announcing a major performer from China.
If this event sounds interesting, learn more about Chinese art and culture … At the Indianapolis Art Center’s “Two Worlds, One Language through Art” exhibitions open at the end of June.
