The premier live auction highlights the inspiring advocacy of generosity
Charity is the core purpose Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga had in mind when they first mounted the Red Charity Gala. Through a fashion show and an auction, the annual ball raises funds for its beneficiaries like the Philippine National Red Cross and Assumption High School Batch ’81 Foundation. This year’s live auction at Shangri-La Fort was no different from the past—where guests heightened their anticipation upon learning about the extravagant items to bid for. Drawing top interest, the auction’s total proceeds amounted to millions, a sign of a successful charity event.
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A delightful affair
In keeping with tradition, the auctioneers, Tim Yap and Tessa Prieto-Valdes, walked down the stage in high spirits, ready to announce the night’s items. The highest bidding went to Mel Aguilar who bought a Jewelmer necklace made of delicate champagne pearls. The bidding began with PHP 350,000. The stakes went high when Tessa and Tim revealed the necklace’s value was $10,000 last year, but increased to $15,000 this year, making it a highly sought after jewelry. After a couple of moments of anticipation, the necklace was sold for PHP 1.3 million. Half of the proceeds will go to The Save the Palawan Seas (SPSF), Jewelmer’s official partner organization in providing sustainable livelihood practices for communities.
Among the other auctioned jewelry was the limited edition Modern Muse of Heart Ongpauco-Escudero. Taking inspiration from the character of a modern woman, Heart partnered with Royal Gem to create a one-of-a-kind collection featuring the style icon’s artworks. Heart personally signed the pieces and was sold for PHP 200,000 together with a two-night stay at The Bellevue properties.
Thrilling adventures
Apart from jewelry, the live auction presented trips and accommodations to most visited places like Hokkaido and Africa. A2A Safaris offered a total of nine nights to stay in South Africa. Initially valued at PHP 620,000, the trip was sold for a total of PHP 1.2 million. Among the vacation trips was a two-night stay in the Deluxe Garden Lodge of Delaire Graff. Located in Stellenbosch, the lodge allows you to unwind amidst the private wilderness sanctuary.
Another much-coveted item was the seven-night stay for six in Foxwood of Hokkaido, which Butch Albert bought the trip for PHP 640,000. He and his family or friends will certainly enjoy their vacation as the trip is scheduled from December 2019 to February of next year, the peak season for winter. During this time, they can ski or snowboard along the powdery white expansive range of Niseko. The Foxwood Chalet also has a golf course, a BBQ pit, and an open-plan kitchen for those who prefer to stay warm from the numbing cold of outdoors.
The Red Charity Gala 2019 auction was indeed a successful fundraiser. Apart from allowing honored guests to bid for their desired items, the proceeds benefit families and communities in need. This annual charity event remains a major occasion inspired by advocacy of generosity. Needless to say, we are already looking forward to next year’s round of pounding the proverbial gavel. Will it outbid this year? Well, your guess is just as good as ours.
