What: Hong Kong Cancer Fund Gala Ball 2016

When: January 30, 2016

Where: KITEC Star Hall, Kowloon

There were drums, acrobats and wall-to-wall Eastern elegance at this year’s Hong Kong Cancer Fund Gala Ball on January 30. With its theme of Chine de Chine, there was plenty of enthusiasm among the city’s stylish to break out ballgowns with a modern twist to classic Chinese glamour.

This annual event for one of the best causes in Hong Kong began with cocktails at a transformed Star Hall KITEC, sponsored by HEC Capital. Under the direction of Silvio Bergé, the interior had morphed into an opulent palace with heavy wood screens, a recurring dragon motif and atmospheric lighting.

Guests were spoiled by champagne supplied by Moët Hennessy Diageo and in exactly the right mood to pledge funds to carry on the work of this great institution once inside the ballroom.

It’s seldom that the formalities win the rave reviews but after welcomes by the Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s Co-Chairman Andrew Yuen and Chief Executive Sally Lo, the evening’s MC Geoff Wong introduced guests to #legend. A special video appeared on screens surrounding the venue, introducing the new publication with interview snippets and stunning imagery, as well as its cover star, Lionel Richie, greeting Lo and guests. 

An exclusive preview copy of the magazine was presented to each guest in a #legend moment. The limited edition created a stir with music legend Richie and daughter Nicole in their first cover shoot and interview together.

After taking part in a little piece of history, it was on with the show. Dinner was punctuated by dance routines and powerhouse vocal performances, an auction and fashion show. With the formal programme over, the DJ hit the decks and the crowd hit the dance floor.

Taking the opportunity to contribute to the cause was a guest list that included Bruce Rockowitz, CoCo Lee, Angela Leong, Sabrina Ho, Brandon and Jenny Chau, Jimmy and Emily Tang, Cissy Wang, Bonnae Gokson and Thomas Wu.