(Hong Kong, 19th April, 2018) More than 400 philanthropists and dignitaries attended Heep Hong Society's 55th Anniversary Charity Dinner on 17th April at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, an annual fundraising occasion for the benefit of the Society's Children and Youth Training Fund, which has disbursed over $10 million since 2013 to offer timely treatment and profession therapies to more than 2,500 children from low-income families.
Officiating at the Charity Dinner, Chief Secretary for Administration of HKSAR Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said the dinner's theme "Growing Potential Shining Tomorrow" was "a perfect reflection of Heep Hong's mission to maximise the potential of children with special needs, empower their families and facilitate their inclusion into the community for a fulfilling life. "He reiterated the Government's determination to build a harmonious and inclusive society. He said, "We need the support of relevant sectors of the community along the road to meet this ambitious objective. I am most pleased to have the unfailing support from Heep Hong Society over the past 55 years to help our children with special needs to integrate into our community."
Ms Nancy Tsang, Chief Executive Officer of Heep Hong Society, said in her welcoming address, "Heep Hong Society aspires to create a suitable environment for every child to unlock their full potential regardless of their ability. The Charity Dinner raises funds for the Children and Youth Training Fund, which makes early training accessible to thousands of pre-school children and youth who are waiting for rehabilitation services." She thanked Mr Matthew Cheung for giving his support to the implementation of the "Pilot Scheme on On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services" during his tenure as Secretary for Labour and Welfare, which contributed to the regularisation of the Scheme. A lot of children no longer need to wait for a long period of time before receiving services.
Also supporting the event in person were Mr Patrick Nip Tak-kuen, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Caspar Tsui Ying-wai, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Carol Yip Man-kuen, Director of Social Welfare, Mr Lau Ming-wai, Vice-Chairman for Youth Development Commission, and Heep Hong Ambassadors Mr Sunny Chan Kam-hung and Ms Ada To Man-wai.
At the dinner, the video story of Chi-hin was presented. He is a participant of Heep Hong's STAR project for autistic youth and successfully found employment that suits his interests. He attended the event and played piano in the debut presentation of the 55th Anniversary song "Shine for tomorrow." Children from Heep Hong also showed case their talents and impressed the guests with their singing and dancing performances. A mother of two autistic sons shared her parenting experience and challenges. A special guest of the night was renowned songwriter, musical director and singer Anthony Lun, whose splendid performance of his classic hits elicited rounds of applause from the guests.
Throughout the evening, guests savoured dishes prepared by top chefs from five restaurants of Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong under the leadership of Executive Chef Adam Mathis. More than 20 luxury items were sold for charity at the live auction and silent auction, including a Cooking Masterclass and Dinner for 8 at Restaurant Petrus sponsored by Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, an 18K Gold Ruby Bracelet donated by Diamond Design Limited, and art reproduction service and two paintings "Stilt Houses in Tai O" and "Laguna in Harmony" donated by local artist Chiu Ming, who was also a beneficiary of Heep Hong's services.
Heep Hong Charity Dinner is one of the most significant annual fundraising events of the Society. On top of fine dining, guests are introduced to Heep Hong Society through performances, videos, parents' sharing, charity sales, auctions, etc. The proceeds will go to the Children and Youth Training Fund for the benefit of children and youth who are on the waiting list for government-subvented rehabilitation services, giving them the chance to receive professional training to enhance their social communication skills, as well as to participate in social adaptation activities, facilitating their integration into the community.
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