One Evening, Lasting Impact: The 18th Annual CAPTIVATING Charity Auction

On behalf of the Shenzhen Charity Federation CAPTIVATING Fund, thank you SO MUCH for, once again, confirming for the world what an amazing community of people you are. Saturday, 17th October, 2026 saw 458 people come together to help improve the lives of young girls, moms, and their children. Once again, our thanks to the wonderful team at the Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen, for working with the Captivating auction committee team and so many volunteers to put on an amazing event. Unwritten: The power of her story.

Together, as one community, we confirmed through our actions and generosity that we will help progress over 1,000 lives this next year together. These single moms, young women, and children across Yunnan, Qinghai, Sichuan, Guangxi, and Guizhou Provinces are specifically selected as those who are most in need of additional support to help progress. Together, we have made this next step possible – another step forward into better and more stable futures.

We can confirm that an amazing RMB 1.28 million was raised thanks to this event. We are thrilled.

A packed audience watches performers in colorful traditional costumes on a large screen, while blue spotlights sweep across the lively indoor event. — *An unforgettable evening of generosity, music, and celebration brought 458 guests together to raise RMB 1.28 million and create lasting opportunities for women, children, and families in need.*

How Your Support Will Make a Difference

Because of this night, and thanks to the support of our incredible corporate project sponsors, over the coming 12 months:

180 moms struggling to make ends meet for their families will be trained in Captivating’s Village Transformation – Women Entrepreneurship Program, helping them establish profitable home-based businesses. This gives them the opportunity to increase their monthly earning capacity, benefiting their 360+ children and aging parents as a result;
30 moms in Qinghai province will receive specialized tailoring training, making it possible for them to earn income from their remote home locations and local tailoring businesses, benefiting upwards of 60+ lives, including children and aging parents;
500 underprivileged students in remote Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou will be supported through another year of senior high school, bringing financial relief to both them and their parents struggling with the costs of senior schooling; and
1,200 primary school students across remote locations thanks to the support of 30 volunteer teachers helping them through this next year.

Two women stand onstage before a screen of large text. One speaks into a microphone in a vivid red-and-orange traditional outfit; the other holds a pink plush toy. The scene feels formal and hopeful. — *A scholar shares her story, dreams, and gratitude for the support that empowers her to look beyond her circumstances and pursue a better future.*

A Heartfelt Thank You to Everyone Who Made This Event Possible

To all of our event organizers; our incredibly hard-working auction committee and over 160 volunteers; our amazing school and business community; the many companies who donated goods for auction; our amazing group of artists and their artwork this year (co-curated by Brittan Aebischer, Gloria Carnevale and Serena Cole); our awesome MC Natalie Brink, and amazing auctioneer Matthew Doige and Fundraiser lead host, Tyler Colquhoun, who both worked hard for a solid 2 hours; our two sensational singers, Anna Rees and Tiffany Wilson, our sound and lighting crew and DJ LAV who brought brilliant tunes to finish the evening with; our incredibly generous corporate sponsors; event partners; and of course to you, our 458 guests – THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. You’ve helped underwrite the work of CAPTIVATING and programs in China for another year.

As we sign off, I have one last thank you. To our AMAZING, consistent, and loyal Shenzhen Captivating team. Your desire to keep doing this year after year is astounding, and we are so lucky to have had such a committed team for so many years. A special call-out to Serena Cole, Tracy Chen, Lynn Velez, and Ashley Stahle, who always lead from the front, supported by an amazing team. Your efficiency, event management, and problem-solving skills are second to none. We are so proud of what you’ve done. Each year seems to get better than the last, and we have you all to thank for it. Congratulations and thank you.

A man in a tuxedo speaks at a podium in front of a large screen displaying historical photos from 2009 and 2018 at a charity event in Shenzhen. — *Captivating Co-Founder and CEO Andrew Colquhoun shares how years of generosity and community support are transforming lives across China.*

A sponsor list for the 18th Captivating Annual Charity Auction, featuring logos for Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors and event partners.

We love you, Shenzhen! Thank you for being part of Unwritten: The Power of Her Story. Together, we’re creating one act, endless impact.

If you have any great suggestions for the event, we would love to hear your feedback! Please feel free to reach out to us at charityauction@captivating.org. Thank you!

Profile photo of the CEO of Captivating