Our 2020 Financial Update: A Year of Turning Loss to Light
We’re back with another financial update and to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate our collective effort to shed light and love on Chinatown, a beloved community by so many, and a precious one whose history, cultural significance and spirit is one we fight for every day.
We are often reminded that Chinatown is a symbol of community. In 2020, through some of its darkest days, we recognized that community is what brought Welcome to Chinatown together -- of our growing volunteer team (now 60+ strong) to our community of supporters and donors. We take every moment we can to express our thanks, as we recognize none of the accomplishments (and the future ones we hope to reach) aren’t possible with your support.
We’re excited to share our latest financial transparency report, releasing our fundraising update for 2020 (March - December 2020).
In 2020, together, we raised $677,000 where 77% of all funds raised go back directly into Chinatown.
Since our last financial update, we have been able to nearly double our reach with small businesses, now supporting 80 businesses in Chinatown through financial support, also doubling the type of businesses to now 8 categories of businesses. This is important as it truly represents Chinatown’s vast ecosystem serving a community with a wide range of community needs, whether it’s a favorite herbalist, a Chinese-speaking medical facility for seniors to your favorite restaurant for comfort food that reminds people of their native home.
The 80 Businesses We’ve Supported
Food and Beverage: 21 Shanghai House, 46 Mott, 88 Lan Zhou, Asia Roma, Aux Epices, Big Wong, New York Bo Ky, Cha Chan Tang, Double Crispy Bakery, Dreamers Coffee, Eggloo, Fay Da, Fong On, Go Believe Bakery, Grand Seoul, Happy Garden Palace, Hop Kee, Hop Lee, Jing Fong, Kong Sihk Tong, Kopitiam, Milk & Cream, My Food House, NB Wing Wong, Noree Thai Bazaar, Nyonya, Pasteur Grill & Noodles, Ping’s Seafood Restaurant, Prince Tea House, Public Village, Rabbit House, Sai Gon Dep, Silk Road Cafe, Soft Swerve, Super Taste, Taiwan Bear House, Thailicious, The Little One, Tofu Tofu, Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle, Wo Hop Next Door, Wok Wok, Yi Fang Fruit Tea
Grocery: Heng Yun Groceries, 47 Division Street Trading Inc., Asian-Veggies.com, Bangkok Center Grocery, Ben Meat Market, Grand Century Market, Sam Wai Liquor Store, Season Natural Food, Tokyo Mart
Medical: Manhattan Podiatry, Mott Optical, Physio-Rehab
Other: New York Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club
Pharmacy: Alison’s Pharmacy, Pharmax (Minh Pharmacy)
Retail: Dahing Plants, Eastern Bookstore, Grand Tea & Imports, KK Discount Store, Leekan Design, LIVIN, MKC Threads, NY 88 Mobile, Shakya Trading, Sun’s Organic Garden, Wah Yeung, Wing on Wo & Co.
Services: Albert Lam Bespoke, Imperial Ballroom, Joseph Li Creative, Lee Ren Beauty Salon, Shuang Wen Academy Network
Wellness: Ewa Trading Co., HKY Ginseng, Lay Wing Herbal, The Inside Outside
We will be releasing our first Annual Report soon as part of our commitment toward financial transparency to our donors. We know there are many incredible organizations to choose from, and we are humbly grateful for considering Welcome to Chinatown.
In the first two months of 2021 alone, we have witnessed the inequalities and continued need to support our community as anti-Asian violence has rocked our communities and COVID-19’s lingering impacts continue to hurt small businesses. We stand tall with resilience and hope that we will continue to amplify the voices of our community and support it where it’s needed most.
While we plan to share more in our Annual Report, we wanted to share that thanks to your efforts:
We have met — and surpassed — our fundraising goal for The Longevity Fund. Initially set out to fundraise $200,000 and award 40 grants, we are able to extend an additional 5 grants through $225,000 in donations.
Further, our learnings from The Longevity Fund were fundamental in shaping our 2021 strategic direction and initiatives including our digital directory (currently in pilot phase) and our forthcoming Longevity Fund 2.0 grant program.
Thank you for your continued support toward our cause. It’s hard to believe that we are soon approaching our first anniversary as an organization later this month. We have more work to do, but also so much to be thankful for. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
With gratitude,
Vic, Jen and the Welcome to Chinatown team
