Zhang Zhiyong, Mo Cheng and Newman Huo

　　TO say thanks to the Chinese people and share happiness with Chinese friends, foreigners in Shekou raised about 100,000 yuan (US$ 12,000) at a party October 1, China's National Day, for the orphanage in Shenzhen Social Welfare Center.

　　Lasting from noon to midnight, the party, held at the well-known bar street in Shekou, attracted several hundred people.

　　To raise money through selling snack tickets, the host, the Shekou Sports and Social Club, called on party-goers to buy snacks at nearby food stands, with the earnings going to the orphanage.

　　"The more you eat and drink, the more money will go to the orphanage," the party was told.

　　However, the party was more than just a charity. People also enjoyed themselves watching performances, such as a lion dance, taekwondo, music, and an art exhibition by Shenzhen artists. Later, many took part in beer drinking contests.

　　Children were among the most cheerful playing basketball and golf, even jumping over rubber bands, a unique Chinese game.

　　It was the fourth year the social club has held an annual money-raising event.

　　"Our company donated 10,000 yuan this year, one of the top donors and this is the second year for us to do so," said Paul Erik Anderson, deputy general manager of South China Operations of Maersk (China) Shipping Co., Ltd., who has lived in Shekou for two and a half years.

　　Enginuity International Corporation, an American manufacturer of printer parts in Gongming Township, is also one of the Gold Sponsors. Its Vice President Scott Garner said it was the second time his company had donated money to a Chinese charity. This time he gave 8,888 yuan, a lucky number in the Chinese concept. He said he had been living in China for seven years and planned to apply for a Chinese "green card".

　　A spectator named Yu Mingtian from Hong Kong came across the party when he took a stroll in Shekou. He said he felt grateful that foreigners were doing their bit for China's charities and promised he would bring his friends next year.

　　Fred Narcross, an American freelance writer, said the organizers of the party, most of them foreigners, wanted to express their thanks to China and wanted to give something back. They represented the universal feeling of expatriates living here.

　　Having participated in the annual event for three years, he thought the party was well organized and was improving each time. He hoped he would see more involvement and contributions from foreigners and Chinese alike.