Jordan Tang, 41, is a charity king with a difference. With his brother Matthew, 50, they lead the Amber Committee, which raises funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.
The Amber Affair, now in its 18th year, sits comfortably under the prestige events run by the SCH foundation which include The Gold, The Silver and The SunSCHIne balls – and knows its audience well.
The Darling Point resident says that while some of the SCH events are aimed at women and “high-flyers,” this event, which will see 300-plus guests receive a “passport” to sample their favourite bevvy at the Cruise Bar at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay, is particularly hoping to encourage more men to throw their support behind the cause.
“This event is about getting people involved in a charity at a younger age, before they have kids themselves, even to have an introduction to what the hospital does,” Tang told the Wentworth Courier of next Thursday’s soiree.
“We want them to have as much fun as they can, you could almost forget you were there to support a charity. We really want the night to be a great night out and make sure people have a really good time,” he adds.
Since its inception, Amber Affair has raised more than $770,000.
Jordan, who is in the finance industry, got involved three years ago after attending the event with a mate.
He had such a blast he knew he wanted to be involved, so when he was invited to join the committee it was a no-brainer, even though he doesn’t yet have children himself. He hopes Amber Affair will encourage more men like him to support the SCH and has a target of selling 400 tickets this year.
“As I’ve gotten older and become a little but more able to help more, I just think if you can help, you should,” he added. “I don’t want to come across all white knight, because I’m not.
“Ultimately we’re here to raise money and it’s up to the hospital’s discretion how they spend it.
“They use it to help sick and injured kids, it goes to research and equipment in the areas of the hospital with the greatest need.”
Craft Beer breweries are open for tastings as well as kombucha and boutique wine and gin exhibitors.
“It’s an easier way to get younger people involved and all the beer and wine companies provide their service for free which is very generous! It’s word of mouth and there’s no hierarchy once you get in there, no name badges or VIP tables, just a passport allowing them to taste beer!”
Nicola Stokes, CEO of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, said Amber Affair is one of the foundation’s longest-running events and has helped to diversify the crowd of supporters who help raise vital funds for the 70,000 kids treated at the hospital each year.
“It is a unique way for the public to support the hospital,” she said.
“Work colleagues and groups of friends come along to the evening to support the cause while networking with like-minded people who want to change the health outcomes for sick kids.”
Thursday 19 September, tickets $80, can be purchased via www.schf.org.au/event/amber-affair-2019