Everlasting Wonder

First Initiative Foundation (FIF) together with the Consolato Generale d'Italia Hong Kong supported and hosted a fundraising gala in celebration of Italy and China’s Year of Culture and Tourism and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and China.

The gala also celebrated the historical partnership between Italy’s iconic Uffizi Gallery and Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department. As well as the opening of a landmark exhibition of 42 exhibits including 14 paintings by Italian Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli.

For one night only, Hong Kong Museum of Arts (HKMoA) was closed for the private event. Guests had a one-of-kind experience to discover the museum. They enjoyed a private viewing of the most remarkable showcase of Italian Renaissance Art, followed by an exquisite meal by the 3-Michellin Starred chef Umberto Bombana who worked with the culinary team of the prestigious Grand Hyatt. They created an excellent feast together with Master of Wine: Sarah Heller. The servers were dressed in renaissance-themed costumes and the dinner was held inside the museum itself. There were live performances by well-known artists like Miriam Yeung, Alison Lau and Gin Lee. We also had souvenir baskets that were filled with what appeared to be fresh fruits but were in fact, artistically crafted dessert baskets by the first female executive pastry chef of Grand Hyatt Hong Kong — Chef Smita Grosse. The dinner was spread across two floors and attended by Hong Kong’s leading tastemakers, influencers and entrepreneurs.

All in all, Everlasting Wonder presented the message of global friendship and cooperation by taking FIF’s patrons back in time to explore the indelible mark left behind by Sandro Botticelli and other Italian greats.