Event raises more than HK$ 2.9 million for charities
MACAU, Nov. 28, 2010 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Sociedade de Jogos de Macau ("SJM") once again organised the International Auction of the Italian White Truffle 2010 in Grand Lisboa, Macau. This is the fourth time that Grand Lisboa has held this event. HK$2.9 million (US$373,500) was raised from the auction held in Macau on 27 November 2010. All the money was donated to eight local charities including Caritas de Macau, Tung Sin Tong Charitable Society, Kiang Wu Hospital Charitable Association, Obra das Maes, Dr. Stanley Ho Medical Development Foundation, Macau Social Services Centre, Special Olympics Macau and Yat On Pathological Gambler's Counselling Centre.
The largest white truffle of the auction weighed 900 grams and was found in Tuscany. It was auctioned together with another white truffle found in Molise, weighing 400 grams. SJM, represented by its directors, Dr. Ambrose So, Ms. Angela Leong and Mr. Louis Ng, was the successful bidder which paid US$330,000 for this lot.
Dr. Ambrose So, Chief Executive Officer of SJM Holdings Limited, said, "We are pleased to have successfully bid for the largest truffle of the event, and we are doubly pleased to be able to lend a helping hand to the needy in society. Following the guiding principles established by Dr. Stanley Ho, SJM puts a priority on serving the community."
The auction, which started at 10 p.m. on 27 November, used satellite television to link simultaneously Macau, London and Rome. Sixteen lots of white truffles from different areas in Italy came up for auction providing participants at the three venues with the opportunity of bidding for them.
A total of six lots of Italian white truffles from Umbria, Molise, Marche and Tuscany were auctioned in Macau, including the largest 1,000-gram truffle of the event.
The auction was preceded by a grand white truffle dinner prepared for specially invited guests by the team from the highest Michelin-rated restaurant in Southern Italy, Restaurant Don Alfonso 1890, situated on the third floor of Grand Lisboa, Macau.
Commenting on the event, Dr. Ambrose So said, "Our Lisboa brand is world famous for casino entertainment as well as for fine dining and hospitality. Tonight we are delighted to bring to Macau again this grand charity auction of the Italian white truffle at our Grand Lisboa. By doing so, we aim to put in more appetizing elements on Macau's gaming and tourism menu, while adding the ingredients of love and care to society. We are proud to say that all the funds raised here in Macau will be donated to local charities. As the only native casino operator in Macau with the highest commitment to society, we believe this is the best way to make tonight's function more satisfying and memorable."
