First Auction, Yan Changfeng Raises 2.23 Million Yuan
Golden Guizhou Online News - On October 23, Yan Changfeng, a moral role model of Guizhou Province, auctioned off 17 sets of 21 calligraphy and paintings from his collection, raising 2.23 million yuan in charitable donations, all of which were donated to the Guizhou Mountainous Areas Hope Project Fund. Previously, on October 20, Yan Changfeng held a donation ceremony at Fusheng Academy in Baiyun District of Guiyang City, making a solemn commitment to donate 10 million yuan to the Guizhou Mountainous Areas Hope Project Fund to build Hope Canteens across various regions of our province, ensuring that children in mountainous areas can eat hot meals. It is reported that Yan Changfeng will also hold two more charity auctions.
Scene: High-value Collections, No Security Needed
At 2 PM on October 23, the charity auction was held in an ancient-style classroom next to Baiyun Park in Guiyang City's Fusheng Academy. More than 100 people had already gathered in the classroom, which only had 80 seats. Among those who came to bid were Yan Changfeng's friends and calligraphy enthusiasts.
To avoid fraudulent donations, the organizers of the charity auction announced early on that participants must bring cash. Yan Changfeng was auctioning off valuable calligraphy and paintings, but contrary to expectations, there was no strict security at the scene. There wasn't even a single security guard present, nor was there anyone guarding the entrance to the academy, allowing free access.
"I believe in the quality of our citizens. This charity auction for the mountainous area children would make even thieves give way by three parts. I and my friends are not worried about safety issues," Yan Changfeng said.
Auction: No Reserve Price, Bidding Based on Conscience
"We cannot estimate the value of this batch of calligraphy and paintings, nor can we measure the love of the people present by the amount of money. Therefore, the items being auctioned do not have a reserve price," announced Zhong Daye, a famous comedian from Guizhou who voluntarily served as the auctioneer, declaring the only rule.
The first item up for auction was "Plum Blossoms" by Mr. Tan Difei, a national-level painter. The first bid was 100 yuan; soon after, a second bid of 5,000 yuan broke the brief silence. After several rounds of bidding, the price almost stabilized at 30,000 yuan. "Hey, it seems like the Hope Canteen only got one wall!" Zhong Daye's remark quickly sparked another round of bidding, and ultimately, a woman bought "Plum Blossoms" for 50,000 yuan.
After several paintings were sold for tens of thousands of yuan each, Master Su Baozhen's work "Flowers and Birds" sparked fierce competition and was eventually purchased by Mr. Peng for 300,000 yuan. After placing the 300,000 yuan in cash from the paper bag beside him, Mr. Peng frankly told the reporter that he knew nothing about calligraphy and painting. When asked if he would ask someone to authenticate the artwork, Mr. Peng replied, "Anyway, it's for charity. I believe it's genuine, and I'll donate the painting again." Moreover, the on-site staff did not have any bill validators or counting machines.
"This is for charity, everyone acts based on their conscience, and hasn't thought too complicatedly," said Mr. Wu, who bought "The Divine Might of Zhong Kui" for 880,000 yuan.
Yan Changfeng: Hopes for Social Supervision
"Buying paintings isn't for anything else, just two points - one is personal liking, the other is being moved. I also want to buy a painting cherished by Mr. Yan Changfeng, contribute to charity, and add some strength for him," said an unnamed bidder.
On that day, 17 sets and 21 pieces of calligraphy and paintings were successfully auctioned off, raising 2.23 million yuan in charitable donations, all of which were donated to the Guizhou Mountainous Areas Hope Project Fund.
Yan Changfeng stated that he will continue with two more charity auctions, donating all proceeds to the Guizhou Mountainous Areas Hope Project Fund. If the total does not reach 10 million yuan, he will make up the difference himself. Yan Changfeng also hopes for society-wide supervision to ensure that he donates at least 10 million yuan, and for future supervision over the Hope Canteens he donates to construct.
"Our goal is to explore a 'fully transparent model' where donors know how their money is used, who they help, and every penny is clear and verifiable," said Ma Ningyu, Secretary of the Provincial Youth League Committee on that day.
Authors: Our Correspondents Mao Haifeng and Zhao Hui
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