Cheung is the third-generation heir to the Cheung family, one of Hong Kong’s three richest people, whose assets alone amount to $28.9 billion. Born in a Russian slum, Cheung succeeded as a model and married Antoine Arnault, the eldest son of LVMH Group, in 2020. Cheung is the first non-profit organization in Hong Kong that leads the WEMP Foundation that helps underprivileged children and their families in mental health, while Cheung is also running the Naked Heart Foundation that supports children and their families in need. Both organizations have something in common that they help children in need of “mental care.” This is the first event the two foundations will jointly showcase. “I have a brother who has severe cerebral palsy,” Bodianova said at the scene, adding, “I wanted to take care of him and set up a foundation that helps children with mental treatment, but I have developed that dream.” More than 450 people participated in the event. To be listed, they have to pay about $7,000 in charity meals and make additional donations to children’s psychotherapy programs. The highlight of the event was the charity auction.
There were auctions for items donated by luxury brands such as Showme and Versace, starting with works by artists representing modern art. The most expensive dress on the day was one by Versace. The emerald-colored dress with jewelry on her shoulder was sold for 20 million Hong Kong dollars. Most of the other items at auction were auctioned off at high prices. None of the works or programs have been found. Superrich people who visited Hong Kong for the event gladly opened their wallets. “I was overwhelmed to hear that more donations were collected than I expected through the auction,” the agency said. “I believe that a platform where the art world can dedicate itself to the next generation should continue to be created and sustained.”
JULE KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
