Cover Winnie Chiu, Lynn Hsieh and Emily Lam (Photo: courtesy of Habitat for Humanity)
Winnie Chiu, Lynn Hsieh and Emily Lam (Photo: courtesy of Habitat for Humanity)
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At the Marriott Ocean Park ballroom on September 5, Tatler joined the city’s philanthropic community—including gala co-chairs Emily Lam and Tansy Lau—for a night in support of safe, affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong turned the Marriott Ocean Park Ballroom into a place of purpose on September 5, as the charity’s annual Raise the Roof gala brought together Hong Kong’s philanthropic set in support of safe and affordable housing. Tatler was proud to serve as media partner for the evening, whose theme, Hope Starts With a Home, anchored a night of storytelling, generosity and, ultimately, resounding success: the gala surpassed its HK$2 million fundraising target through its live and silent auctions.
Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception before taking their seats for dinner. Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong CEO Jo Hayes opened proceedings with a speech reflecting on the more than 220,000 people in Hong Kong living in subdivided units and other inadequate conditions. ”Housing is not about square footage,” she told the room. “Housing is about human potential.” She also spoke of last year’s Tai Po fire and the recent flash floods in Nepal and Tibet, China, telling guests that home “is the foundation upon which lives are built”, before closing with a call to action she asked every guest to consider when the auction began: “How can I help?”
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Habitat for Humanity's board of directors (Photo: courtesy of Habitat for Humanity)
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The programme continued with a keynote address from Victor Tai Sheung-shing, under-secretary for housing at the Housing Bureau, followed by a live auction staged in partnership with Christie’s. Board chair Jenny Chang spoke movingly on rebuilding hope after the Tai Po fire, while a fireside chat hosted by board director and gala committee co-chair Emily Lam brought the story of a Habitat family’s rebuilt stability to the stage. A power pledge appeal helped carry the night past its fundraising goal, then DJ Paul Haswell closed out the evening on the dance floor.
Among the crowd was gala committee member Tansy Lau, while other guests included Melissa Fok, Shirley Hiranand, JuJu Chan Szeto, Josephine Chiu, Winnie Chiu, Lynn Hsieh, Leigh Tung Chou and Patricia Tung Gaw All were there to support to a mission now in its 22nd year in the city—one that has improved more than 4,050 homes with the help of over 17,000 volunteers. By the end of the night, the message was clear: in Hong Kong, hope still starts with a home.
Credits
Photography: Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print. She also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts — curates star-studded events, and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
