Tycoon’s free lunch leaves cash off the menu ...
Print Edition
A LUNCH hosted by an eccentric Chinese millionaire for 250 homeless New Yorkers at a posh restaurant degenerated into fury yesterday when the guests were denied US$300 cash handouts.
Last week, recycling tycoon Chen Guangbiao took out ads in American newspapers promising a first-rate meal at the Boathouse in Central Park and US$300 each.
Diners were bused in and treated to a sit-down meal of seared tuna, filet mignon and seasonal berries, waited on by staff in suits and bow ties. Wads of cash, clipped together, filled wire baskets at the restaurant, and Chen waved some of the money in front of his guests.
But when the attendees discovered that they would not be given the cash, uproar ensued, with some yelling: “We want it now!”
Officials from the New York City Rescue Mission, which helped organize the lunch, had urged Chen not to hand out the cash because many of the guests were being treated for addictions and the money could be better used for their programs.
Retired Vietnam War veteran Harry Brooks told reporters he would be “highly upset” if he didn’t get the cash, despite enjoying the food “very much.”
“I could use US$300,” he said. “Clothing for one thing,” he said gesturing at his shabby attire when asked how he would spend it.
Not all guests were unhappy. Many said they enjoyed the food and called the experience “beautiful,” saying they were touched that someone had flown all the way from China wanting to help.
But as they were herded outside to queue up to get the bus back, complaints multiplied.
Al Johnson, 42, said he had been banking on the money to get his life together and go home to his family in Texas.
“This was going to change my life,” he said. “Fraud. This is fraud with a capital F,” he added. “I feel used for a photo op.”
Michelle Tolson, director of public relations at the Mission, said on Tuesday that no cash would be handed out to individuals and that it had taken weeks of negotiations to convince Chen to instead donate US$90,000 to the group.
The money would be ploughed straight into the Mission’s US$5 million yearly expenses to feed and house people, she said.
Chen said he wanted to give back after wealthy Americans had contributed to relief efforts after disasters in China.
“Hopefully, I will really lead the way to encourage other people who are in a position to help to follow through,” he said.
On Tuesday in New York City, Chen was on the street handing out US$100 bills to anyone who looked like they needed money.
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