Over US$320,000 awarded to six heroes at THE ONE Humanitarian Award fundraising gala dinner and ceremony

[November 2024, Hong Kong] THE ONE Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony was held on November 19, 2024 at the Holiday Inn Golden Mile.

One of the most highly anticipated events on the city’s busy social calendar, the gala dinner and ceremony was attended by the city’s most prominent leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and socialites including International film star Mr. Donnie Yen; Director of Bullet Films Productions Ms. Cecilia Wang; Rotary International President Ms. Stephanie Urchick, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Mr. Chris Sun, JP; Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung; Honorary Chairman of Legacy Academy Dr. Michael Chan; Chairman of the City University Council Mr. Lester Huang , SBS JP; Renowned jewellery designer Corina Larpin; and Sarika Choy who was MC for the evening.

Themed the “Magic of Love,” the night included an evening of inspiring stories and non-stop entertainment, including an exclusive performance by Hong Kong pop sensation and rising star Jasmine Yen, who entertained crowds with a global exclusive of her new single Z.

Launched in 2012 by Dr. David Harilela and Rotary International District 3450 (RI D3450), THE ONE Humanitarian Award was created to empower and reward extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others in need to alleviate pain, suffering, poverty and hunger.  All money raised at the gala dinner will go directly towards future award monies for THE ONE’s humanitarians.

Over HK$2.5 million in prize monies was awarded to six humanitarians Africa, India and Hong Kong. Dr. Mathew Varghese, an orthopedic surgeon who has pioneered reconstructive surgeries for polio victims and children who suffer from clubfoot in India, was crowned THE ONE International. Father John Wotherspoon a priest who helps and rehabilitates drug addicts and the homeless in Yau Ma Tei, became THE ONE Hong Kong.

Finalists for THE ONE International include Dr. Satish Gogulwar, an Indian doctor providing life-saving medical care and opportunities to desolate tribal communities and Dr. Paul Thistle, a surgeon and educator working in Zimbabwe, Africa.

THE ONE Hong Kong finalists included Elli Fu Nga-nei who distributes foods and other necessities to the poor and hungry and Morgan Lam Kai-fai who is inspiring low-income and troubled youths through his love of music.

“It only takes ONE. Everyone has the power to change lives. The ripple effect means that positive change can flow in many directions all through the world.”, said by Rotary International President Stephanie. To date, the award has honoured 74 heroes and donated over US$3.3 million to their causes and humanitarian projects which provide vital, life-saving resources to those in need. Over 300,000 lives have been impacted and transformed across the world.

About THE ONE Humanitarian Award

THE ONE Humanitarian Award was created to empower and reward extraordinary

individuals who dedicate their lives to serving others in need to alleviate pain, suffering, poverty and hunger. Since 2012, the award has recognised over 70 humanitarians, donated over US$3 million and transformed over 300,000 lives.

Launched by Rotary International District 3450 (RI D3450) and philanthropist Dr. David Harilela, the award taps Rotary International’s powerful network of 1.2 million people to help seek and identify everyday heroes who put service above self.

All awardees receive cash prizes that can be used to further their service projects and humanitarian efforts.

In 2015 THE ONE Humanitarian Award expanded its reach by launching its first individual local award, THE ONE Hong Kong. This was followed by THE ONE Philippines in 2018.

For more information please visit www.theoneintl.org