What is the

Dim Sum Race?

The Dim Sum 5K & 10K is held by 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services organization, Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA). CMAA’s mission is to serve the needs, promote the interests, and enhance the well-being of low-income immigrants and refugees of all generations and to foster their participation in U.S. society. CMAA’s goal is to make the biggest impact we can right now through our continued COVID-19 relief efforts, which will be supported by proceeds from the race.

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More than just a run/walk, this race offers each participant a unique cultural experience by drawing from the wide range of ethnicities that CMAA serves in Uptown and Elgin, IL. Prior to the race, runners are treated to two rites of good luck: everyone partakes in a Laotian ceremony where string is tied around each other’s wrists, and then colorful lion head dancers will perform a traditional Chinese dance to kickoff the race. Once the race has begun, participants will pass some of Uptown’s historic businesses and continue to run along the beautiful Chicago lakefront. Lastly, each finisher will have the opportunity to participate in a post-race block party, where they’ll receive dim sum from Furama Restaurant and bubble tea from Joy Yee while enjoying more performances by the CMAA youth dance troupes.

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COVID-19 Response and Monitoring:

For the past 4 years, the Dim Sum race has brought our community together. Throughout, the safety and well-being of our athletes, spectators, staff, volunteers and our community at-large, has been our number one priority. With that in mind, rest assured that we are closely monitoring COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and will continue to do so over the coming months preceding the Dim Sum race.

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As of now, our planning and preparations for this year’s Dim Sum events are well underway and will continue unabated. We are working hard to ensure that you are able to enjoy the Dim Sum race experience you have come to expect. If you are unable to participate in person, we will have a virtual option available as well.

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In the coming months, we will continue to monitor the situation and as race day approaches, any decisions will be made in concert with our local, state and federal officials and with your best interests in mind. We will communicate with you as soon as possible should there be any potential changes and what our collective options are.

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What are my options if the Dim Some race switches to all virtual?

In the event that we have to turn the Dim Sum race into a completely virtual event, all participants who are registered will have the following options: 

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1. Transfer your registration to the virtual option – your packet will be mailed to you at no additional cost.

2. Transfer your registration to the 2022 Dim Sum race.

3. Donate your entry to Chinese Mutual Aid Association's COVID-19 relief efforts.

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We know that there is a lot of planning and preparation from your side as well and want to be able to give everyone ample time to make any necessary decisions. 

The Dim Sum & Then Some 5K is a fundraiser benefiting Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA). CMAA’s mission is to serve the needs, promote the interests, and enhance the well-being of low-income immigrants and refugees from all countries and generations and foster their participation in U.S. society.  As you can imagine, our low-income client community has been hit especially hard by this crisis, and as a result, our services are even more crucial during this time.

This year’s Dim Sum 5K proceeds will support our COVID-19 emergency relief efforts. CMAA has been supporting clients in combating the economic effects of the crisis, including launching new, emergency services. Proceeds from the 5K would help us to expand our efforts in providing direct financial assistance to low-income families affected by the crisis, assisting them with housing payments, utility costs, food, and any other immediate needs. 

Additionally, through our Community Care Program (CCP), CMAA manages approximately 200 home care aides who continue to assist the elderly and disabled in their homes, providing essential services to this vulnerable population and supporting their health and well-being. 5K proceeds this year would help ensure that these frontline staff have access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as they put themselves at risk on a daily basis.

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Click here to donate to CMAA's COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund!

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Who is CMAA?

CMAA was officially established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Chicago’s northside neighborhood of Uptown in 1981 by local Asian community leaders who were also ethnic Chinese refugees.  Grateful for the assistance they had received as new immigrants themselves, this community came together to help other newly arrived immigrants, leading to the formation of CMAA.

Since then, CMAA has evolved into a pan-immigrant social services agency, serving clients from over 40 countries, including from Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Our offices currently offer job preparation & placement services, after-school & summer youth programming, teen mentorship programs, adult education English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, in-home elderly care services, immigration & citizenship case assistance, food & housing assistance and more.  CMAA staff members have estimated that the organization provides over 10,000 discrete services each year to approximately 5,000 unique clients.

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To learn more about CMAA, Click HERE!