FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CreArtivity shines at French International School Gala Dinner
[Hong Kong – 16 March 2017]
More than 400 guests celebrated creativity in many different guises during an exceptional evening at the French International School’s Annual Gala Dinner on 4th March. Guests enjoyed the creative talents of students across all genres – from costume design to acrobatics, videography to dance, music to painting – while raising a record-breaking total in excess of HK$2.85 million on the night for the school’s Development Fund.
Members of the French and International communities joined with local guests to support the school in its journey to raise funds through this evening of style, glamour and entertainment. FIS students welcomed guests to a cocktail reception before impressing with a runway show which presented highlights of their upcoming ‘Couture’ fashion show with wearable art inspired by famous artists: unique gowns created from recycled materials. All in attendance were captivated by the action on the stage, a ‘Student Extravaganza’ showcasing FIS students’ talents: Bethany Wong amazed with her composure as a classical pianist; Patrice Yip enthralled with her graceful ballet recital; nearly 20 students thrilled with their African drumming and acrobatic performance accompanied by the HK Capoeira and HK African Dance and Drumming Group. All the entertainment was relayed on giant screens around the room. CreArtivity indeed!
The generosity of over 160 donors ensured those in attendance enjoyed excellence at every level from the finest champagne, wine and food to the exceptional entertainment and exquisite items available for auction. Guests were surprised by a personal video message from the famous singer Jane Birkin (performing the same night in Hong Kong) offering her support and encouraging all to give generously. Throughout the evening, more than 250 guests bid on lots ranging from luxury handbags and cosmetics to watches and getaways during a silent auction powered by a personalised bidding system.
Renowned auctioneer and Chairman of Christie’s Asia Pacific, Mr. Francois Curiel, managed a live auction of 6 exclusive lots raising HK$980,000. Included was a dinner for 10 with the French Consul General at his official residence and the Consul himself, Mr Eric Berti, was on hand to tempt bidders with the promise of an evening to delight. “May I recommend one of the hottest prizes tonight: a dinner at the Residence of France with the Consul General and his wife – I will even prepare one of the courses myself!” he offered. This lot was so highly sought after with two parties frantically bidding to secure the honour that Mr Berti spontaneously donated a second dinner to ensure smiles all round and double the money raised!
This year, there was another chance for guests to leave their mark on the new Tseung Kwan O campus. “After the resounding success of the personalized “Footprints” on the running track at Tseung Kwan O in 2016, you now have a chance to “Become Immortal – Adopt A Quote”. This year, FIS students have selected quotes from well-known authors and you can choose one to be engraved on the back of a seat in the new auditorium and personalized with a name,” Mr Soulard, Headmaster, explained. Lucky buyers took up this opportunity selecting quotes such as “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today” by Malcolm X and ensured their child’s name will be known to future FIS generations for years to come.
At the after dinner champagne party, everybody finished off a fabulous evening dancing into the small hours to the beats of Theo, FIS’s own student DJ.
A huge thank you to all sponsors whose generosity made the evening possible; once again FIS Gala Dinner was a memorable evening celebrated for a good cause.
About French International School (FIS)
FIS was established in 1963/64 as one of the first international schools in Hong Kong. The school offers two streams: the French and International Streams, preparing students towards certification in the French national examination, the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. In 1988, FIS became the first in Hong Kong to be authorised as an IB World School.
The school will open a new state of the art eco-campus in Tseung Kwan O in September 2018. Currently, the school is one of the largest international through schools in Hong Kong and welcomes over 2,700 students from Reception/Moyenne Section to Year 13/Terminale, representing 40 different nationalities, across four campuses in Happy Valley, Jardine’s Lookout, Chai Wan and Hung Hom.
The school’s mission is to provide, together with families, a nurturing, culturally diverse community that inspires our young people to realize their true potential as confident, independent learners and responsible global citizens with moral values and integrity.
About French International School Development Fund
The French International School of Hong Kong will continue to grow and welcome more students into both the French and International streams. To maintain our high standards of education and provide excellent facilities, we need to evolve constantly. The FIS Development Fund was created to finance our expansion projects and relies on the generosity of individual and corporate donors. Currently, the project which is at the forefront is the new Tseung Kwan O campus (September 2018 opening).
For media enquiries, please contact:
Fleur Murdoch, Marketing and Communications Assistant Manager
Tel: (852) 2892 3643