2014-10-21 | New York Observer
The honorees included Yue-Sai Kan, Anla Cheng Kingdon, Lang Lang, Richard Lui, Hao Jiang Tian and Shirley Young. Wendy Wu (the North America Chief Representative of the Beijing Council International Auction Company), Zang Toi (fashion designer), Nicola Phelps (General Manager of Baccarat on Madison Avenue), Peter Ly (Royal Salute Brand Ambassador) and Joseph Meyer (Observer Media CEO) presented the coveted awards.
New York’s elite joined their Chinese contemporaries to raise a glass of Royal Salute Scotch Whisky, provided by Pernod Ricard. Jill Heisler, Director of Prestige Marketing at Pernod Ricard said, “YUE and Royal Salute have worked together for two years. Royal Salute is very popular with Chinese consumers. This event is a great fit because Royal Salute is always happy to support Asian philanthropists and those who have had success in business and the arts.” Attendees mingled while nibbling on passed hors d’oeuvres including shrimp Shumai, crispy Maryland crab cakes, seared tuna on cucumber rounds, and vegetable spring rolls.
The presenting sponsor VERTU showcased some of the featured guests’ most charitable achievements through an array of mobile devices and visual experiences. Beijing Council was also the associate sponsor of the event. Hutch Hutchison, head of design of VERTU, said, “Beyond the pyramid of needs, the proposition holds true, you wouldn’t leave home without your phone. So why doesn’t it say something about you? This phone marks you out as having made it. It’s about being in touch with high powered individuals and this group was great to partner with tonight.”
Chiu-Ti opened with a welcome speech and said, “YUE is about more than a magazine; it’s about building a community.”
Each honoree then received a hand engraved fine crystal Baccarat Louxor Obelisk made in Baccarat’s signature design for their generous work in the community. Mr. and Mrs. Chen Guoqing, Datuk Zang Toi, Chien Chung Pei, Geoffrey Bradfield, René Belcer, and Carolyn Hsu Belcer joined the YUE luxury advertisers and honorees to applaud a night of philanthropy.
After the awards ceremony at Harmonie Club, 30 distinguished guests made their way over to the Lowell Hotel to enjoy an intimate celebration dinner. The menu included spinach salad, filet mignon, herb crusted halibut, and chocolate courrone for dessert. The fête surely satisfied in more ways that one.