A stunt by a Chinese tycoon to provide free lunch to 300 homeless people in one of New York’s finest restaurants degenerated into a shambles as word spread that the participants would not be receiving an anticipated cash handout.
The first simmerings of discontent emerged in the Central Park Boathouse as sesame-encrusted tuna appetisers were being served.
By the time the main course of rump steak was on the tables, the mood had turned thoroughly sour, as news that there was to be no cash give-away passed around the room.
And as white-gloved bow-tied waiters cleared berries and creme fraiche from the tables, there was near-mutiny, with burly private security men forced to prevent some angry diners from storming the podium.
Chen Guangbiao, a controversial recycling magnate, self-publicist and philanthropist, had earlier sung a version of We Are The World, the Michael Jackson hit written to raise charity funds for Africa.
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But the mood of goodwill and gratitude quickly dissipated as diners learned that they would not be receiving the $300 in cash that Mr Chen had originally promised everyone who attended after the meal.
Officials at The New York City Rescue Mission, which the billionaire had approached to help organise the event, told him they would only participate if the money was donated to their organisation to provide meals for the homeless.
“We work with the homeless every day, many of them unfortunately have drink and drugs problems, and it just isn’t a good idea to give that sort of cash out to people,” said Michelle Tolson, the mission’s spokeswoman.
“Mr Chen agreed that he would donate the $90,000 to the mission and that is the basis on which we are here today.” That message had not, however, reached many of the recipients of the free meal who were bused to Central Park from a downtown shelter.
“We have been duped to come along here under false pretences and now we are just part of a propaganda trick for the rich” said Harry Brooks, a Vietnam war veteran who tried to reach the stage to voice his complaints in person.
“We don’t need their steak, we need the money so that we can pay for food and clear debts. Now we’re never going to see it. This is a disgrace.”
via Chinese tycoon’s stunt to feed New York homeless ends in shambles – Telegraph.
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