Whenever I meet expats in other Chinese cities, I am struck by a uniformity that I do not encounter in Beijing. Shanghai is full of corporates. Chengdu is full of laid-back English teachers and students. Shenyang is full of English teachers and students who couldn’t find jobs or programs in Chengdu.

Beijing is different. The city claims its share of students and teachers, but it’s also home to artists, entrepreneurs, filmmakers and NGO employees. A stunning percentage of non-Chinese actually speak the language, and some even learn the tones.

This variety has a tremendous effect on the city’s social scene, which will be in evidence at the July 9 “ganSUPER FUNdraiser”. The party, to raise money for microfinance facilities in poverty-stricken counties in Gansu Province, is organized by international microfinance NGO PlaNet Finance, but boasts a wide range of sponsors, including Yuanfen New Media Art Space (Yuanfen New Media Art Space), Mughal's (the buffet) and Wine Republic (the catalyst for generosity).

“This event is going to bring together all kinds of people, from students and non-profits to artists to corporate executives,” said PlaNet Finance’s project development coordinator Alison Schmidt.

Community support for the FUNdraiser extends beyond businesses donating food and drink. Promoters and PR professionals are also working to get the word out.

For event organizer Kira Dubas, making use of the city’s varied talents was a no-brainer. “Microfinance is a hot field right now, but we are limited in what we can do. If we relied solely on our own abilities or the appeal of microfinance, we would end up with a much smaller, less lively event – one that would raise a lot less money and have a much smaller impact.”

By Jonathan Haagen