On Saturday, December 7th at the newly opened Magnolia Ballroom in the Jing ‘An Shangri-La Hotel, the Shanghai Expatriate Associates held their annual Black-Tie Holiday Gala. Over 150 guests joined the event to raise funds and awareness for The Will Foundation. The evening included a sparkling wine reception, a four-course Christmas Feast with wine pairings, a decadent dessert buffet and a luxury gift bag. Entertainment on the night included moving performances, a rocking live band & DJ, dancing, a charity silent auction, and a lucky draw. The silent auction raised over RMB 60,000 for the Will Foundation.
The Will Foundation’s Founder Pilar Tan describes its mission as a “Foundation set the first stone down where many will follow. It is a foundation for giving hope and a future for those “unseen” ones which we call orphans. I have seen potentials in J. J. that not many can see. If left alone, he will just become another “burden”, but under WILL’s wings, he will become and flourish into a man that matters. Our job is to provide them with the right everyday tools so they will possess the right character in making this world a sensible one, and to give them some of the same opportunities that our own kids have. It is because of these “not perfect” beings that we learn and become a better person.”
Austen Morris Associates filled a special Christmas living room with generous gift bags and presents for all esteemed guests. Partner Mr. Jon Holand and Assocaites Mr. Rob Hough and their guests attended the evenings event.
