The Nature Conservancy Raises US$8.4 million (HK$65.5 million), with "A Night of Nature, Art and Wine"

HONG KONG,March 26,2019 --Last Friday (22 March 2019),The Nature Conservancy (TNC) raised HK$65.5 million at an exclusive Gala dinner "A Night of Nature,Art & Wine" featuring contemporary fine art and collectors' editions of world-class wines-- all to benefit nature and people in Asia Pacific.Sponsored by Morgan Stanley and with Auction Partner Sotheby's,the Gala was held at the Grand Hyatt,bringing together Hong Kong's influential business leaders,members of society and celebrities to raise funds and awareness for environmental conservation. TNC is the world's largest environmental non-profit organization,and all event proceeds will support its mission: to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

The Nature Conservancy’s Asia Pacific Council (front row,left to right): Ms Shanti Poesposoetjipto,Ms Julia S. Gouw,Ms Shirley Young,Ms Anla Cheng,Ms Kathy Matsui,Ms Nancy Bowen (back row,left to right): Mr George Tahija,Mr Robert McLean,Mr Nicolas Aguzin,Mr Dr. Fred Zuliu Hu,Mr Moses K. Tsang,Mr Frank Wei

The Nature Conservancy's Asia Pacific Council

(For more high-res photos and captions,please visit: https://drive.google.com/open?id=17VRAoUHpDMVEBYZzvFEKcUmYqLVTfhHo)

More than 400 guests attended the event. Distinguished guests included Mr Richard Li,Mr Adrian Cheng,Mr CC Tung,Mr Michael Wong,Mrs Rossana Gaw,Ms Maris Christine Lee,Mr Francis Lui,Mr Ronald Cho,Mr Sean Lee Davies,Mr James Tien,Ms Paloma So,Mr Dan Zhu,Mr Michael Yamashita,Ms Shi Zhihying and Mr Xue Song.

The live auction featured seven art works donated by internationally acclaimed contemporary artists from China,Korea and Chile,including Yang Yongliang,Zhou Li,Shi Zhiying,Xue Feng,Xue Song,Lee Bae and Fernando Prats. The paintings range in their unique executions and depictions of the natural world,highlighting the influence of nature on art.

Alongside the art pieces,the live auction offered collectors' editions of wines from the world's leading wineries,distilleries and wine connoisseurs,including Chateau Haut Brion,Chateau Lafite,Chateau Margaux,Chateau Mouton Rothschild,Masseto,Opus One and Remy Martin. Boasting impressive large formats (double magnums,imperials,and a Nebuchadnezzar) and,for some lots,exclusive vineyard visits and private tastings,the wine lots were very well received.

The event also included a silent auction featuring 35 lots,ranging from art,wine,memorable experiences and collectibles. By invitation only,the Gala will enable guests to take action to support and share in their appreciation for nature and the expression of natural beauty through fine wine and art. Attendees will also enjoy the performance of two world-class violinists,Paloma So and Dan Zhu,who are contributing their time and talent in support of nature.

TNC held its last Gala dinner in 2013 raising over HK$47 million to fund conservation projects around the region. TNC's work in Hong Kong includes restoring Hong Kong's oyster reefs in Deep Water Bay,working with local oyster farmers in this 700-yerar-old industry.

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science,we create innovative,on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change,conserving lands,waters and oceans at unprecedented scale,providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries,we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities,governments,the private sector,and other partners.To know more about TNC's work in Asia Pacific,please visit: www.tnc.org.hk.

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