Gala extends care to those with autism

A public benefit gala was held in Shenzhen’s Futian District on April 3, drawing attention to the challenges faced by people with autism and calling for public support for the community.

World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2, is designated by the United Nations to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum. 

Aligned with this mission, the gala, sponsored by the Youth Leadership Fund under Shenzhen’s Project Care Foundation, served as a call to action for a more inclusive world where autistic people are respected, accommodated, and valued for who they are.

(From L) Liu Jinyan, He Linda and Mou Guanlin, the gala's first three initiators.

The event was initiated by Liu Jinyan from University of Pennsylvania, He Linda from Shen Wai International School and Mou Guanlin from Shenzhen Foreign Languages School (SFLS). 

It quickly garnered support from middle school students across a dozen schools in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. 

Ye Haoming, Zheng Yadan, Wang Siwen, Yuan Hanwen, Sun Yuqi, Ming Zihan, Chen Lin’er, Zhang Yihang, Wu Sichen, Wan Zijia, Dai Zixuan, Wu Jingwen, Huang Shuolin, Tu Ya, and many others actively participated as co-initiators. The young volunteers planned, organized, and hosted the gala themselves.

Chen Meishou, secretary of the Project Care Foundation, delivers a speech. Photos courtesy of the organizers

Chen Meishou, secretary of the Project Care Foundation, gave an opening speech calling for awareness and care for those with autism.

The Stars Rover Band, composed of autistic youth with musical talent, performed "Banks of the Ohio" and an adapted piece combining "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" with "Cuckoo."

The Stars Rover Band during their performance.

The program also featured the Zhen’ai Chamber Orchestra and Twilight Bridge Band, who performed beloved pieces including "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," the theme from the animated film "Castle in the Sky," and the popular song "Brightest Star in the Night Sky," originally by Chinese band Escape Plan.

The gala concludes with a heartwarming performance of "A Little Red Flower."

The gala concluded with a heartwarming performance of the song "A Little Red Flower," an expression of encouragement and recognition for those who are brave and endure serious illnesses.

The student organizers also shared their volunteering experiences, which helped them better understand autism and witness the resilience and innocence of autistic children and their loving families.

The Stars Rover Band receives 30,000 yuan as a support for their musical dreams.

Within just half a month, the organizers raised over 300,000 yuan (US$42,000), which will be allocated to families in need who have autistic children. A specific sum of 30,000 yuan is awarded to the Stars Rover Band to support their musical dreams.

Students who jointly launch the project receive certificates that recognize their efforts in charity.

Donors included i3A Education (Shenzhen Chengsi Education Technology Co., Ltd.), Shenzhen Gengdu Education Consulting Company Ltd., and CMC Shishuo Overseas Education Consulting Institution.