22 April 2003 | Issue 10  
                      

April 12, 2003 witnessed the culmination of the astronomical haute-cuisine event of Singapore. The seventh World Gourmet Summit (WGS) ended meaningfully with the WGS Charity Dinner held in aid of the Community Chest of Singapore at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.

A total of S$344,598.00 from outright donations, table sales and a silent auction was generated during the Charity Dinner alone.

More than 230 philanthropists, foodies and socialites attended this 5-course dinner, presented jointly by internationally renowned Masterchefs as well as home-grown star chefs. It was fabulous to watch the cohesion and spirit amongst the visiting chefs and the hosting chefs in their mission to do their part for the community and for the less fortunate.

"Today, with the Iraq war and other uncertainties including SARS casting deeper gloom on our Singapore's economy, we will face greater challenges in meeting the rising needs of the less fortunate," quoted Dr Henry Tay in his opening address, "It is of paramount importance that individuals, together with private and public sector organizations, continue to rally behind the Community Chest in reaching out to the underprivileged."

Dr. Tay added, "Every dollar donated to the Community Chest goes directly to the charities due to a sponsorship programme with Singapore Pools to cover the Chest's administrative costs. The money to be raised will benefit 323,000 needy individuals."

The gala dinner kicked off with a symphony of delectable canapés accompanied by bubbly from Champagne Duval-Leroy, amidst a viewing gallery of auction items. Items on auction include expressions designed by visiting Masterchefs who hand painted their creativity on fine porcelain Christofle plates, magnums of fine wines from the WGS Partner Wineries as well as a top range knife set from Wüsthof. A total of 36 items were up for the silent auction.

Participating chefs for this dinner include; Albert Tse of the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, Special Guest Chef Grant MacPherson, ex-executive chef from the famed Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas, now pioneering the luxury Wynn Resorts in Macau, Friend of WGS - Michael Ginor from Hudson Valley Foie Gras, New York, Masterchef Jimmy Sneed from The Frog and The Redneck in Virginia, Martin Aw-Yong and Herve Potus from the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.

Cheque Presentation at the Dinner, from left: Dr. Henry Tay (Community Chest),
Mr. Charles Leong (Singapore Tourism Board), Mr. Francis Poulose (Peter Knipp Holdings) and Mr. Liak Teng Lit (Community Chest)


WGS 2003, albeit amidst the frenzy of Iraq War, the SARS spate and the subsequent bleak situation on the region's economy, have nonetheless won kudos from the local community, passionate foodies, the media as well as the overseas guests who came and participated.

The organisers of WGS, Singapore Tourism Board and Peter Knipp Holdings would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all who have made this event possible. A round of applause to all and a toast to a better year!
For enquiries on World Gourmet Summit, please call (65) 6270 1254, fax (65) 6270 1763
 
http://www.worldgourmetsummit.com / info@worldgourmetsummit.com