Chen Guangbiao’s, the Chinese millionaire who offered homeless people a fancy meal in Central Park, is the center of a news media storm.
It seemed like a good idea -offer250 homeless people from a shelter a fancy meal in Central Park, as well as $300 in a red pouch. Sounds fine – do something for the individuals, something for the community, and honest way to exercise philanthropic muscle.
Chen Guangbiao faces tough criticism, though, for Wednesday’s “act of good will” in Central Park. The lunch at the Loeb Boathouse in New York City’s Central Park involved fancy food but no cash. The $300 that he was going to give to each person got spent treating residents at the New York City Rescue Mission for drug addiction.
Some thought that his stunt was over the top. According to The Wall Street Journal, some people wondered why Guangbiao wasn’t helping people back home in China.
Chen’s wealth is estimated at $400 million by Forbes Asia. According to China Daily, his hope was to make certain that China’s elite aren’t seen as “crazy” and obsessed with only material things.