Philanthropy always plays a big role in the world of movers and shakers. And for Forbes Thailand, the renowned business magazine launched last June, such a benevolent philosophy is strongly adhered to.
Chakrit Benedetti, Piyarat Kaljaruek, Pattriya Na Nakorn, Supakorn Vejjajiva, Chanadda Chirathivat, Krisda Sawamiphakdi and Suriyon Sriorathaikul.
"What we believe is that once you are successful and wealthy, it's time that you lend support to those who are less fortunate," said Krisda Sawamiphakdi, Forbes Thailand's chief executive officer.
To endorse its standpoint, last week Forbes Thailand hosted an exclusive gala dinner and auction to raise funds for charity. It was the first grand event after its launch ceremony six months ago. And though Forbes is better known for events such as global CEO conferences and awards ceremonies for business leaders, for Forbes Thailand to organise a gastronomic event is not unusual at all, according to Krisda.
"The affair is about generosity, which is a significant agenda within the Forbes media empire. We might chose a slightly different way of giving but the intention is there and that's what's important," he said.
The by-invitation-only event took place at Bangkok Convention Hall of the Centara Grand at CentralWorld and gathered more than 100 up-and-coming business tycoons, entrepreneurs and A-list personalities who came to partake in the grand gastronomy as well as to support the fund-raising affair.
The evening kicked off with an exhibition of precious artefacts from private collections of some of the country's top socialites, including an original copy of the Love Me Do single signed by all four members of The Beatles, an emerald ring from the reign of King Rama V belonging to Amornpimol Viravan, Krissada Sukosol-Clapp's two charcoal sketches by Thai artist Wasan Harimoo, and Yoshitomo Nara's pop-art painting belonging to Disaphol Chansiri, an eminent art collector.
The exhibition was appreciated alongside a cocktail reception where fine drinks were matched with first-class delicacies. From the interactive food stations, guests were indulged by the likes of Spanish pata negra bellota ham, Miyazaki beef tataki, live Atlantic lobster sashimi, freshly shucked Kumamoto and Gillardeau oysters, Balik salmon and foie gras terrine. The food was offered with premium Champagne, Sauternes wine and sherry.
The gala dinner, held exclusively behind closed curtains, showcased the world's finest ingredients by the hotel's executive chef Martin Fischl.
The five-course feast started with Ossetra caviar on ice, followed by baked consomme with foie gras and morels, and a nice platter of line-caught Atlantic turbot with sea urchin roe and roasted pumpkin puree.
Main course was represented by a choice of flavourful charcoal-roasted Japanese Saitama Wagyu beef or slow roasted truffled guinea fowl with porcini mushrooms and Perigueux port wine sauce. L'Opera Bastille, a luscious concoction of hazelnut, chocolate and coffee, nicely wrapped up the meal.
The night, lulled by live classical music by the Jeeb Ensemble, was sponsored by Rolls Royce Motor Cars Thailand, Aston Martin Thailand, SCB, Macrorich Macro and Italasia and also featured an exciting series of auctions. Items included holiday packages, art pieces, reserved Scotch whiskies, limited-edition luxury watches and a month-long ownership of a fine brand-new car, donated by the sponsors and philanthropists.
The auction raised 838,000 baht for the Association of Children and Youth for Peace in the Southernmost Provinces of Thailand, which was founded in 2002 and has been providing education and shelter for children in the Deep South along with helping the children recover from tragic losses.
