Heartfelt Generosity: Adrian Cheng and Natalia Vodianova Arnault Celebrate the Success of The Children Ball in Support of Children with Special Needs

The Children Ball – 'A Night of Infinite Hearts, A World Where Every Child Can' was held on 21 March 2024 at Rosewood Hong Kong. A star-studded affair, the event attracted celebrities from the worlds of fashion, film, and sports, including Hong Kong's actor power-couple Carina Lau and Tony Leung, award winning actress Kong Hyo Jin, the iconic Fan Bingbing, along with basketball legend Stephon Xavier Marbury, who all came together to help create an inclusive world for every child.

The evening was marked by an outpouring of support from individuals, businesses, and organisations passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of children. The generous contributions will allow WEMP and Naked Heart France to extend their reach, providing support to children with special needs and their families through initiatives in Hong Kong and France, marking a significant expansion of support networks.

"We have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support we have received," said Adrian Cheng, the host of The Children Ball and founder of The WEMP Foundation. "The event provided a platform for our community to come together and demonstrate their commitment to the next generation. It has reinforced our belief in the power of collaboration. By joining forces, we can effect meaningful change and create a society that prioritises the mental well-being of our children."

Emmanuel Gintzburger, Princess Alia Al-Senussi, Danny Casale, Sabrina Ho, Yvette Yung, Tatiana Akishkina Pudwill, and Inga Rubenstein were some of the fashion luminaries, art world insiders, artists and philanthropists who dazzled on the red carpet. Just before stepping into the Grand Ballroom, guests encountered the 'Dreams Unlocked' exhibition portals, showcasing art by children and teenagers supported by The WEMP Foundation and Naked Heart France. The works offered a glimpse into diverse worldviews through the eyes of young autistic artists.

The evening's performances featured a captivating piano duet by globally renowned pianist and champion for emerging talent and underprivileged young people, Michelle Kim, alongside her protégé Malcolm Mok, as well as a dramatic reading by Ron Szeto. Both gifted young, neurodiverse performers chose pieces that resonated with the event's theme, 'A Night of Infinite Hearts'.

Jonathan Crockett of Phillips led a dramatic live auction that featured work by leading contemporary artists such as Danny Casale, Alicja Kwade and Robert Nava.

"The success of this event exemplifies the collective dedication to creating a brighter future for children. Through our collaboration, we have taken a significant step forward in addressing the implementation of best evidence-based support programmes and assisting our youngest generation. We are deeply grateful to all the donors, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event possible," said Natalia Vodianova Arnault of Naked Heart France, co-host of The Children Ball. "Together we became a positive force that will directly impact the lives of children and ensure they receive the support they need to realise their potential and thrive."

The Children Ball team would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors, partners, donors and guests. A special thanks to Platinum Sponsors: the exclusive beauty sponsor Guerlain – an international beauty brand known for its heritage of creative audacity and savoir-faire, Pansy Ho, Chairperson of MGM China Holdings Limited – a leading developer, owner and operator of gaming and lodging resorts in the Greater China region, Techtronic Industries – TTI is a world leader in cordless power equipment with leading powerful brands such as Milwaukee industrial equipment, Ryobi DIY tools and Hoover floorcare cleaning products, Auction Partner Phillips – leading auction house for art, design, and luxury, for their generous support for the event and Wine and Spirits Sponsor Moët Hennessy – the global leader in premium branded spirits, champagnes and wines.

Join The WEMP Foundation and Naked Heart France making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Follow @wempfoundation and @nakedheartfrance on Instagram to stay updated on the ongoing efforts and future initiatives.

Hashtag: #thewempfoundation #nakedheartfrance

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The WEMP Foundation

The WEMP Foundation is Hong Kong's first non-profit organisation dedicated to the mental wellbeing of underprivileged children and families. It is an all-rounded collaboration platform that brings together children, parents, schools and the community, aiming to nurture and support their mental health and help children and teenagers establish positive thinking through sustainable development projects and initiatives, and prepare them with the solid foundation to reach their full potential to positively lead our future community.

Naked Heart Foundation

Naked Heart Foundation is a charity founded by supermodel and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova Arnault in 2004. Since then, the foundation has provided support to 28,014 children and young adults with special needs and their families. After relocating to Paris, Natalia expanded her charitable initiatives by establishing Naked Heart France to build on and amplify the important humanitarian work that Naked Heart Foundation had started earlier for children with special needs. The foundation focuses on building a society that is open to people with special needs by encouraging inclusive leisure, education, employment, and the creation of free support services for affected families.