FIRST CLASS
SOCIAL EDITOR FLORENCE TSAI JOINED THE THRONG IN THE GRAND HYATT BALLROOM FOR AN EVENT THAT WAS UNANIMOUSLY DECLARED A RUNAWAY SUCCESS
The atmosphere at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong was abuzz with cultural exchange as 450 VIP guests arrived for the First Initiative Foundation Gala, fresh from a performance by the Diotima Quartet and pianist Sa Chen at the Academy for Performing Arts.
The crowd, which included many of Hong Kong’s most prominent cultural influencers, was greeted by an impressive garden arrangement in the foyer and a special salon featuring displays of exquisite watches by Vacheron Constantin, FIF’S ongoing charitable partner and principal sponsor of the gala. A sumptuous feast—the creation of Nicolas Masse, whose Bordeaux restaurant La Grand-vigne has two Michelin stars—followed, accompanied by wonderful Bordeaux wines provided by Smith Haut Lafitte.
The emcee for the night was Sean LeeDavies, who followed up his warm welcoming speech with brilliant introductions to the many contributors and performers who made the evening such a success. Musical interludes highlighted FIF’S cultural and educational initiatives, such as the FIF/LANG Lang Young Scholars Programme and the FIF Cantonese Opera Initiative. A live auction took place to benefit the foundation and FIF chairman Michelle Ong presented awards to various Fif-supporting artists, including Ann Hui and Carina Lau, in recognition of their work. The evening concluded with a “Garden of Desserts and Delights”—several stations bearing delicious desserts placed in FIF’S “garden” for guests to sample and enjoy before leaving. Supporters present included Lester Lam, Sabrina Fung-lam, Andrew Yuen and Yvette Yung.