We are staying in the home of Frank and Nancy Yih. Frank was the driving force behind the rebirth of the Shanhai Rotary Club, which received its charter in February 2006. For over 50 years, the Chinese government did not allow Rotary to exist here, and still now approaches it with skepticism. By choice, driven by government reticence, the club is not open to Chinese citizens but rather only to citizens of other countries. There are many foreigners living here, some for only two or three years, as needed by their employers. More about our experience with the club later.
From left to right: Helen, Larry, Frank P., KF, Frank Yih, Tom, Mel
To understand Frank, conjure up all the positive notions you have about the word philanthropist. A quick google comes up with the following definition: Someone who promotes human welfare and goodwill through the donation of time, assistance, and gifts. My new definition, my new frame of reference is Frank Yih.
Frank is at an age when most people have retired and take it easy. Not Frank. Helping others is Frank's job, his passion, his mission. He is a true life force, who works very hard at identifying poor people who have needs most of us never comprehend, or consider. Once he identifies the need, he acts. He uses his own resources, and works with all other charitable resources he can find, to bring about real change. When Lon approached the Shanghai club about this water project, Frank enthusiastically embraced the idea. He has travelled to the area, studied water issues, and become well versed with the people and problems associated with this project.
Frank has provided scholarships for many students, set up services for children orphaned by AIDS, facilitated many life-saving sugeries...there's an exhaustive list! One of his efforts that stuck with me was that he sponsored a teacher who went to a small village for four years. The teacher worked with the students through their high school years - most don't go to high school - and took them all the way to graduation. No one from the village had ever gone to college...all eight of the students this teacher worked with have gone on to college.
Frank is literally changing the world, one life, one family, one village at a time.
His wife Nancy is exteremely gracious. Their home is in the penthouse of the building Frank owns, and right next to it is where we are staying. Frank designed this suite specifically for those he would help, and those like us who help him help others. Nancy welcomed us into her home, and her hospitality and kindness is remarkable. Just before we arrived, they had hosted a GSE (Group Study Exchange) team from New Zealand. She hosts a variety of people and opens her home and her heart to all. She is a treasure!!
Nancy is in the photo below, showing the breakfast table.
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