Tony Leung, Carina Lau and other illustrious guests attended the charity gala at Rosewood Hong Kong to raise vital funds in support of children’s mental health issues
Who? Adrian Cheng, Natalia Vodianova Arnault, Sabrina Ho, Karena Ng, Gong Hyo-jin, Fan Bingbing, Carina Lau, Tony Leung, Cya Liu, Feiping Chang and Eleanor Lam
What? The Children Ball
Where? Rosewood Hong Kong
Here’s what you missed:
Ahead of Art Basel Hong Kong, The Wemp Foundation founder Adrian Cheng and Natalia Vodianova Arnault of Naked Heart France co-hosted The Children Ball, a night dedicated to raising awareness on children’s mental health. Themed ‘A Night of Infinite Hearts, A World Where Every Child Can’, this fundraiser event was one of the many ways that they are aiming to create a world where children affected by mental health issues—such as those on the autism spectrum or with special education needs—feel understood, accepted and supported, alongside their families.
“I absolutely love Hong Kong,” said Arnault to Tatler editors on the red carpet, wearing a fabulous ruby-red Giambattista Valli gown. “Hong Kong has great energy and it’s one of the most inclusive cities in the world, so it’s wonderful that we’re doing this event here,”.
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Arnault, who founded Naked Heart France in 2004, has supported 24,700 children and young adults with special needs by encouraging inclusive leisure, education and employment and by creating free support services for affected families. She expressed her enthusiasm at bringing this event to Asia: “Autism does not have boundaries: children with special needs can be born in any country, in any family. But so do evidence-based support programmes: they are equally effective in every geography. By uniting our efforts, we can create a community that prioritises children’s mental health and empowers them and their family members to overcome challenges.”
In the last two years, The Wemp Foundation has served more than 60,000 children in need. “The Children Ball is an opportunity for us to come together to make a positive force behind the families of autistic children,” says Arnault.
Before stepping into the ballroom, guests viewed the Dreams Unlocked exhibition, showcasing art by children and teenagers supported by The Wemp Foundation and Naked Heart France. Later, guests including Princess Alia Al-Senussi, Patricia Tung-Gaw, Leigh Tung-Chou, Winnie Chiu, Mahnaz Lee and Calvin Wang participated in a lively auction by Phillips auctioneer Jonathan Crockett. Auction items included pieces by jeweller Wallace Chan and a private Dior experience with Maria Grazia Chiuri and an exclusive stay in Paris during the Olympics Games Paris 2024. The highlight of the evening was when an Atelier Versace dress, worn by Vanessa Hudgens at the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2022 went under the hammer for HK$2 million, drawing the biggest applause of the night.
Another highlight was a beautiful piano performance by globally renowned pianist and champion for emerging talent and underprivileged young people, Michelle Kim, alongside her protégé Malcolm Mok.
“My admiration goes towards Natalia’s determination. Her deep sense of compassion and her ability to take action is remarkable … This event not only celebrates our achievements but also empowers us to continue making a difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Cheng.