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HONG KONG, 7th November 2005: Habitat
for Humanity Hong Kong's first-ever gala fund raising ball,
"Dreams and Reality",
netted at least HK$5.3 million net (some US$680,000) towards
Habitat programs in Asia-Pacific.
The figures could be revised upwards after final receipts are added up.
Chief Executive Jonathan Reckford was guest of honor for the evening and thanked the organizers for bringing Habitat's vision to Hong Kong.
A Tsunami recovery: CEO Reckford at the handover of the Coca Cola
donation for Sri Lanka |
Stars, celebrities and members of
Hong Kong's super-chic elite were among the more than 340
guests supporting the evening at Hong Kong's new five-star
Four Seasons' hotel which features stunning harbor-views.
Luxury jeweler Piaget was the title sponsor for the evening
and donated HK$ 1,180,000 (some US$150,000).
During the evening, representatives from sponsor Coca Cola handed over a cheque for HK$1 million (some US$125,000) to support Habitat's tsunami reconstruction program in Sri Lanka.
A Sparkling donation: Piaget hands over a glittering cheque |
Several long-standing Habitat corporate
sponsors participated in the evening with donations and by sponsoring
tables. Citigroup donated HK$500,000 (some US$64,000) for Habitat's
tsunami work in Thailand. Dow Chemicals donated the same amount
to support Habitat programs in China through Hong Kong. Insurer
PMI handed over a cheque for HK$250,000 (some US$32,000).
The evening included a silent auction, spot prizes and an auction for a new BMW 740 car.
In addition, top models turned the ballroom into a catwalk to show off Piaget ladies' and men's jewelry and watches.
Title sponsor: Piaget models at the Habitat fund raiser |
Guest celebrities for the gala were
fashion entrepreneur, designer and former ballet dancer Flora
Zhang Tian Ai and Asia-American actor Russell Wong.
The glamour of the occasion was not
lost on the Habitat visitors. "It's the first time I remember
dressing up in a tuxedo for a Habitat event," said executive
vice president Mike Carscaddon of Habitat for Humanity International.
"The effort proved a good investment given the money
raised."
HFH Hong Kong was only formally established last summer. Because
of Hong Kong's extensive public housing system, Hong Kong
was expected to focus on mobilizing resources and volunteers.
Vision: CEO Reckford at the ball.
With him is Darwin Chen, head of the HFH Hong Kong board
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Now, however, HFH Hong Kong plans to launch a building program
within Hong Kong. Next year will see a "Home Safety and Improvement
Program" with volunteers renovating homes for elderly people
living on their own.
Hong Kong International School has been a major supporter since
even before HFH Hong Kong was formed. The school's Habitat student
chapter has been involved in advocacy, fund raising and sending
volunteer teams to build round Asia. Last year, a school team
became the first international team to visit and build in China.
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