2025 Marriott International and Yao Foundation Charity Night. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Marriott International Central China Business Council, in collaboration with the Yao Foundation, recently hosted the 10th Annual Charity Night at The St. Regis Shanghai Jing'an. The event was attended by Michael Malik, chief operations officer for Greater China at Marriott International; Yao Ming, chairman of the Yao Foundation; and Ye Li, honorary chairman of the Yao Foundation.
Proceeds raised from the 2025 Marriott International and Yao Foundation Charity Night will be dedicated to supporting sports education in rural China, contributing to the holistic development of youth in underserved communities.
2025 Marriott International and Yao Foundation Charity Night. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"We are delighted to join hands with the Yao Foundation, bringing together collective strengths to continue instilling hope through education for youth in rural areas," said Malik. "Guided by our core values of 'Put People First' and 'Serve Our World', and through our 'Serve 360' Sustainability and Social Impact Platform, we remain committed to fulfilling our corporate social responsibility and creating a positive, lasting impact in the communities we serve."
Michael Malik, chief operations officer for Greater China at Marriott International, delivers remarks. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Yao said, "This year marks the 12th anniversary of our collaboration with Marriott International. Over the years, the Yao Foundation's mission of 'Developing People Through Sports' has strongly resonated with Marriott International's commitment to 'Serve Our World'. We sincerely appreciate Marriott International's continued dedication to advancing sports and education initiatives for youth in rural China. Together, we are committed to providing greater care and support to children in rural areas, empowering their growth through the transformative power of sports."
Yao Ming (right), chairman of the Yao Foundation, delivers a speech. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Hosted by the Marriott International Central China Business Council, the charity night saw the participation of 57 Marriott International hotels in Central China and welcomed more than 500 corporate guests and individual sponsors, all coming together to support the dreams of rural youth.
Panel discussion titled "Three in A Row for Good". [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A highlight of the evening was a special panel discussion titled "Three in a Row for Good", featuring Yao; Alfred Gao, chairman of the Marriott International Central China Business Council; and Liu Genghong, a celebrity. The panelists shared personal motivations and inspiring stories from their philanthropic journeys.
2025 Marriott International and Yao Foundation Charity Gala. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
This year's charity night was themed "Fantasy Land", creating a whimsical, immersive atmosphere inspired by a child's paradise. Soft shades of light purple set the tone, while a slowly turning carousel and dazzling lights filled the venue with a sense of joy and wonder.
2025 Marriott International and Yao Foundation Charity Gala. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Chefs from Marriott hotels across Shanghai collaborated to curate a customized menu for the evening. The program opened with heartfelt performances by children, followed by captivating musical acts that transported guests into a dreamlike experience.
Actor Chen Haomin. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Since 2013, Marriott International and the Yao Foundation joined hands to launch the Marriott International – Yao Foundation Project Hope. Working closely with the China Youth Development Foundation, the partnership has raised more than 41 million yuan ($5.85 million) through initiatives, including charity nights, charity golf tournaments, and the Road to Give campaign.
Singer Ping An. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
These efforts have also supported donations to 11 Hope Primary Schools, while the Basketball Season program has reached more than 6,000 rural schools nationwide, benefiting nearly 6.7 million rural young people.
