Chinese tycoon to provide fancy lunch to hundreds of homeless New Yorkers

NEW YORK, N.Y. – A Chinese tycoon is feeding hundreds of homeless New Yorkers some fancy food — in Central Park.

The lunch for 250 residents of a Manhattan shelter will be served Wednesday at the Boathouse restaurant.

Recycling magnate Chen Guangbiao (gwong-BYOW’) is offering them sesame-seed-encrusted tuna, beef filet and berries with creme fraiche.

He’ll also provide entertainment by singing “We are the World.” And he’s promised each guest $300.

Chen says he wants to disprove the cliche image of rich Chinese spending money mostly on luxuries.

But his American ambitions surpass philanthropy.

Earlier this year, the 46-year-old businessman wanted to buy the New York Times. Times chairman Arthur Sulzberger said the newspaper was not for sale.

To announce the lunch, Chen placed ads in the Times and 5he Wall Street Journal.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.