A Starry Night

‘Stars in Harmony’ is the theme for this year’s First Initiative Foundation charity gala, which will gather the crème de la crème of Hong Kong society, the arts and culinary scenes for a worthwhile cause. Here, Michelle Ong and her A-list team share how the spectacular fundraising evening came together

- Christian Gollayan

Started in 2010, Michelle Ong’s First Initiative Foundation (FIF) gala has grown to become one of the most anticipated events of Hong Kong’s social season, and for good reason.

Last year, FIF looked back to the prehistoric past to promote its exclusive charity gala. So naturally, Michelle’s team brought in a 12-meter-long Tyrannosaurus rex fossil to the IFC Mall to raise awareness for the foundation’s mission to promote arts, culture, and heritage in Hong Kong.

Now, Michelle is looking to the stars for this year’s charitable evening, which is appropriately themed ‘Stars in Harmony,’ and will have a focus on hope and unity. The foundation is bringing together some of the city’s leading lights from myriad industries, including philanthropy, hospitality, and the arts, for a night to remember on November 10 at the Four Seasons. “There is no doubt that we all need hope and harmony in our lives at this time more than ever,” Michelle tells Tatler Asia. “All aspects of the event speak to the importance of cooperation, peace, unity, understanding and a future filled with light.”

To capture the spirit of the evening, Michelle chose architect-turned-artist Nicholas Cheung to create a shimmering installation called Feathered Ascent, which features a flock of pristine doves made from one of the most reflective materials in the world that will hang over and encircle the Four Seasons’ ballroom. “I got the idea from these seagull mobiles I had hanging on my wall as a child,” Nicholas tells Tatler Asia. He also reveals his project took three years to create and with the support of FIF and Sinoland, it will be shown at Lee Tung Avenue in November. “Doves symbolize hope. I believe that is a very positive message, and I hope that’s what people can take away from the installation.”