***Please note that everyone who purchases a ticket by January 21 will be eligible for a drawing at the event for 1 of 5 swag bags from Mainsail Jewelry in Burlingame. Each bag contains 1 sterling silver necklace with a handset genuine pearl, and includes jewelry cleaner, retail value at $100/bag.***

Celebrate the Lunar New Year and enjoy a fun-filled evening with other parents and community leaders interested in supporting Mandarin immersion at College Park Elementary School, featuring:

• Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisine from a variety of local restaurants, including SPiCES! Restaurant in Foster City, Kukje Supermarket in Daly City, and BBQ Saigon in Brisbane.
• A night market of vendors, including Avon, Chok Wee Photography, Chengke Gang Chinese Calligraphy, The Orange Caterpillar, Phoenix Formations, Stella & Dot, and Yee Studios.
• Biàn Liǎn (Face-Changing) Mask Performace by the Chow family 
• Asian-inspired fashion show featuring designs from Orange Caterpillar in SF
• Chinese Lion Dancing by Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy
• Fashion trunk show and other Asian vendors
• Silent Auction
• Lucky Games
• Program Book

We estimate the fair market value of each event ticket to be $30, so your charitable contribution is $20/ticket.  

Friends of Mandarin Scholars (EIN/Tax ID # 45-2465260) has been tasked with raising $136,000 by March 15, 2013 to support the Mandarin immersion program at College Park Elementary School in the 2013-2014 School Year.  We suggest a $500/child donation for all College Park Elementary School families.  

As of January 23, 2013 we have raised $22,974.44 (17%).  We hope you will help us reach our goal by making a donation today!

Funds raised will support (in priority order):

For more information, please see our website at https://sites.google.com/site/mandarinscholars/college-park-mandarin-immersion

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Sincerely, 

FMS Board Members (Cari Pang Chen, Mike Williamson, T. Van Do, Tom Bunyavanich, Karen Belen Henroid, Laura Mansilla, Edward Lam, Gina Kuo) 

FAQs

What is the format of the event?

This is a mix and mingle event, with small plates of food available to nibble and taste throughout the night.    

What should I wear?

This is a casual event, so come as you are - from business casual to formal, ethnic attire is encouraged.

Are children invited to the event?

This event is for adults only. Playdates are encouraged. San Mateo Gymnastics is offering a Parents Night Out from 6:30-10pm for interested families with children ages 4-10 years old. $30 for registration before 1/21; $35 after that. San Mateo Gymnastics is located at 1306 Elmer Street in Belmont, phone (650) 591-8734.  

What kind of seating will be available at the event?

This will be an open seating event. Priority front row seating for the fashion show will be offered to attendees who have made donations of $500 or more, and/or who are part of a "front row" ticket package (8 adult tickets + $500 donation).

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
No ID requirement. Please note this is an adults-only event. We encourage families to put together playdates or find other childcare options so that you may enjoy an evening out.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Limited parking is available in the adjacent parking lots and surrounding neighborhood.  

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Please contact Cari Pang Chen, FMS Board Chair, at 650-274-8643 (cell) or friendsofmandarinscholars@gmail.com.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No. Purchasing your ticket here confirms your registration for the event. However, please note that the tax-deductible value of the ticket is $20 and may be claimed with a copy of the ticket. Our EIN/Tax ID is 45-2465260. A more detailed letter may be provided upon request for tax purposes.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?
Please call/text 650-274-8643 or e-mail friendsofmandarinscholars@gmail.com if you plan to send someone else in your place for the actual event.

Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. As long as you itemize your deductions on your federal income tax return, your donation—including any amount you include to offset processing fees—is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

I'd like my company to match my donation - what's the best way to do this?
For your convenience, you have the option to make an online donation via Eventbrite.  Please note that there are two types of fees charged by eventbrite for this purpose: Eventbrite fees (2% nonprofit rate plus $0.99 per ticket) + credit card fees (3% of ticket value).  Please check out the "Donations" page of the FMS website to learn more about how to donate to FMS, including a link to corporations we know that will match donations to FMS.  Typically the corporate matching information is available through your Human Resources or Community Relations departments.  Our EIN/Tax ID is 45-2465260. The mailing address is 715 Indian Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401, and the primary contact should be Cari Pang Chen, FMS Board Chair.  We can provide a detailed acknowledgement letter via e-mail or mail upon request.