What is the
Dim Sum Race?
Chinese Mutual Aid Association 's annual Dim Sum & Then Some: The Uptown 5K/10K & Kids Dash is a unique race, fundraiser, and community event that highlights the diversity of the Uptown neighborhood, with all proceeds benefiting low-income immigrant and refugee communities.
More than just a run or walk, the event offers a vibrant cultural experience. At the start, participants receive a traditional Lao blessing ceremony, where a string is tied around their wrists for good luck. Lion dancers then perform to kick off the race with symbols of prosperity and good fortune. Along the course, runners pass Uptown’s historic attractions and continue along the Chicago lakefront. After crossing the finish line, participants are invited to a post-race block party featuring dim sum, bubble tea, and cultural performances by CMAA’s youth dance groups. Through this event, CMAA celebrates and showcases the rich heritage and diversity of the Uptown community.
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The Dim Sum & Then Some 5K/10k & Kids Dash is a fundraiser benefiting Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA). CMAA’s purpose is to serve the needs, promote the interests, and enhance the well-being of low-income, diverse immigrant and refugee communities across metropolitan Chicago through social services, advocacy, educational programming and assistance for youth, adults, the elderly and small businesses.
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, social services and case management, 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 an Illinois certified Small Business Development Center.
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To learn more about CMAA, Click HERE!
