A gathering brought together by love,
and the warm spark of a budding community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us
—
together, we lit up
Stepping Stones Center for the children.
Now, let’s relive those moments where warmth and laughter intertwined.
Afternoon Prelude | Check-in & Carnival
Starting from 4:30 p.m., parents and children began to arrive.
The sign-in area slowly filled with excitement as the Stepping Stones Center “Opening Day Carnival” came to life. Children explored the new space through play, their laughter echoing through the rooms and breathing the first spark of energy into this new home.
Opening Ceremony | Speeches and Wishes
At 6 p.m., the event officially commenced.
Our host shared the heart behind Stepping Stones Center — a completely free, safe, and caring after-school space.
Next, Ms. Corinne Hua, the Founder of Stepping Stones, delivered the opening speech, followed by long-term partner Guofeng Charity Foundation representative Mr. Rio Jiang, and Stepping Stones donor Mr. Tiger Song, who each took the stage to offer their support and blessings. All expressed their hope that this center will become a “second home” for children after school.
Highlight Moment | Ribbon-Cutting & Homely Inauguration
At 6:20 p.m., the ribbon-cutting ceremony began.
With the ribbon falling and balloons rising, Stepping Stones Center officially “settled in” Huacao, Minhang District, Shanghai!
At this moment, it is not just the opening of a space but also a commitment to the future of the community.
Group Photo | Capturing the Memory
After the ceremony, all the guests, volunteers, parents, and children gathered together, capturing this memorable evening with a group photo. Every smiling face served as the warmest blessing for Stepping Stones Center.
Heartwarming Conversations | Enjoying the Evening Feast
The buffet soon followed.
Adults chatted with ease, children enjoyed a hearty feast, and under the warm golden lights, the atmosphere felt as natural and cozy as a family gathering.
*Special thanks to Guofeng Charity Foundation and Shanghai Young Bakers for providing delicious mains and colourful desserts for the opening ceremony. Your support brought even more warmth to this celebration — and we are deeply grateful.
Stepping Stones Center will serve as a warm haven for children after school — offering free homework support, diverse interest-based activities, and a safe space to play. Here, every child will have an extra companion, and an extra possibility.
Thank you for being both a witness and a co-builder of this warmth. We believe that every visit, every bit of care, helps brighten the path ahead for our children.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you, standing together as that steadfast, warm, and enduring “stepping stone” in the lives of children.
