From left, Chuck Scarborough, Li Jing, Danielle Staub, Adrian Benepe, Dennis Kambeitz (Photo Courtesy of Chester Mah)

New York City (January 28, 2011) – Li Jing’s “Dare To Dream” Celebrity and Media Party at 230 Fifth was a huge success. Li Jing, an award winning journalist (2004 Wharton Business Journalism Award winner), model, blogger, social media expert, and founder of CultureLi.com, celebrated her selection as one of the top 10 finalists in the global TV host contest held by Paradisehunter.com. It was a rare meeting of elite US and China media.

Global leaders in politics, education, media, fashion, and business gathered to celebrate Jing’s global success. Li asked special guests to share their insights on following their dreams and attaining success. Li and guests also created a “Dream Book” by writing their favorite inspiring quotes and dreams.

New York City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, NBC Anchor Chuck Scarborough, SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, “The Bachelor” star Lorenzo Borghese, the Housewives of New Jersey star and Wealth TV host Danielle Staub, Hot Dog Champ Takeru Kobayashi were among the celebrity guests who attended the event.  You can email lijingNY@gmail.com or contact P.R. Manager Alice Chin 212-518-8696 for any questions, interview requests, story ideas, TV segments and speaking engagement.

NBC Anchor Chuck Scarborough, who had met Li Jing when they were colleagues at WNBC, said he was impressed by Li Jing’s outstanding work ethics, tenacity and marketing skills. Scarborough described Li as one of the hardest working people he knows and said she is “ completely impervious to discouragement.”

New York City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe commended Li Jing for helping to popularize the York City Dragon boat festival and promoting multiculturalism.  Jing interviewed New Commissioner Benepe at a few events and he was impressed by Jing’s experience, professionalism and interviewing skills.

TV “The Bachelor” star and author Prince Lorenzo Borghese said he began voting for Jing when she first entered the contest.  Lorenzo spoke about the importance of the ability to “Sell” or market one’s talents to be successful, and said that Jing sold herself better than anyone else in the contest.

WPIX’s Reporter Howard Thompson spoke about Li’s popularity and universal appeal.  He had recently reported her lost camera story on his show “Help me Howard”, and very soon afterwards Kodak contacted her via the WPIX blog and twitter to offer her with replacement cameras.

Guests also wrote down their favorite quotes in the “Dream Book”.  Jing’s favorite quote is “Never give up and dare to dream!”  Japanese hot dog champion Takeru Kobayashi shared his ambition to “Eat 75 hot dogs in Times Square.”  The Housewives of New Jersey star and Wealth TV Host Danielle Staub said, “When you dare to dream, you encourage others to do the same!” 

Li Jing said, “This is not only a celebration for me but also for everyone with a dream. I came to America from China at 22 by myself knowing nobody and barely speaking English.  I have never studied journalism so when I told people about my dream to work in American TV, no one believed in me. However, today is a proof that anything is possible! If I can become top 2 voted in the world in a TV host contest in my second language, then others can achieve their dreams too!”

Jing entered the Paradise Hunter contest in October 2010 and within two weeks, became the most voted in America. She campaigned globally via social media sites such as Facebook, twitter, blogs and Chinese blogs. Her Youtube video was viewed more than 20,000 times and the number of her Facebook friends tripled since entering the contest. Li Jing was selected as a finalist after winning two rounds of voting in three months.  Jing is also the most voted New Yorker out of nearly 700 applicants from 29 countries.  Her story has been reported by some of the largest Chinese media including China Daily, China Press, World Journal, Sina.com and Asiance Magazine.

Jing is a great example of the “American Dream” and has become an inspiration for immigrants, women and people who have experienced setbacks in life. She has broken many barriers and is one of the first native Chinese speakers to report and produce news for American televisions.  Jing has worked for CBS, NBC, and Sinovision. She has also won the most votes and talent award in China’s First Internet Host contest by 236 Capitalonline.com.

Paradise Hunter President Dennis Kambeitz flew from Canada and attended the event. Kambeitz said he was impressed by Li Jing’s campaign skills and global appeal.  Kambeitz congratulated Jing on her achievements. He will interview the top 10 finalists in February and announce the winner. The winner will receive the amazing prize of hosting a Paradise Hunter TV show, traveling to 12 countries in the world, and receiving a property worth up to 150,000 dollars.

Li Jing’s success in media, fashion, and global appeal has attracted various sponsors, including popular brands such as New York’s largest rooftop bar 230 Fifth, modern functional accessory Setgogear.com, Irish Cider Magner’s, popular national women’s brand Shecky’s, international photography agency Bruun.net, online fashion magazine RunwayPassport.com, renowned fashion designer Zang Toi, and upscale pet product brand Get Royal Treatment.