Doing good, one plate at a time.
Cherrie Lee, a broker based out of the Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty Bellevue branch, is an expert real estate advisor, an energetic advocate for her clients, and seasoned negotiator. But she’s also a giving and active member of her community, demonstrated by her service as a member of the board at Kin On Health Care Center, an organization that provides healthcare and support to Asian elders and their families.
Always generous with her time, Cherrie has continued to work hard for her clients as we all adjust to the new normal of life after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But as she began to see the unprecedented impact of the health crisis on her friends, neighbors, city, and the entire region, she decided she had to give even more of her time to helping those most directly affected.
So, she reached out.
Her first call was to a good friend, Mei Guan, who owns Jade Garden restaurant, a lively local Cantonese eatery in Seattle’s International District. Known for its delicious dim sum, Jade Garden has been a staple in the neighborhood for years for those searching for authentic Chinese cuisine served in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is usually packed, and though like all restaurants in the city had to close temporarily for dine-in service, has remained open during much of the pandemic, continuing to serve its community through takeout and delivery orders.
Together, Cherrie and Mei knew they could do even more to serve those caring for some of the most vulnerable members of the community. So in March, the two friends decided to team up to thank healthcare professionals and frontline workers at Kin On with one of the most nourishing gifts anyone can give—the gift of a warm meal.
Cherrie Lee decided to donate 140 meals to the staff at Kin On, and she and Mei organized the delivery of the lunch boxes. The health center’s workers received a selection of chicken, beef, pork, and vegetarian dishes—ensuring every member of staff received a hearty and tasty meal, whatever their dietary restrictions or preferences.
Kin On Health Center’s staff members were touched by the considerate gesture—so touched, in fact, that the center even posted about surprise drop-off on its Facebook page!
Cherrie Lee’s actions just show how much a kind, thoughtful gesture can mean to someone working hard on the frontlines right now. Though our city has made progress since Cherrie’s donation in March, COVID-19 is not gone, and our dedicated healthcare heroes are still working tirelessly to take care of everyone in our city, including its most at-risk citizens. We can all take note of Cherrie Lee’s example and reach out to others in our community to see what we can do for them right now—whether your actions are big donations or smaller gestures, every good deed counts.