The "A Star of Renaissance" gala dinner, jointly presented by the SHTM and Hotel ICON on 23 October 2012, attracted some of Hong Kong's leading personalities and celebrities, who got a taste of the best of Italy. Among those in attendance included Henry and Lisa Tang, Walter and Wendy Kwok, Thomas and Linda Lau, Cissy Pao Watari, CC and Harriet Tung, Gordon and Ivy Wu, John van Praag and Pat Fok, David and Christine Wong, David and Nancy Chiu, Daniel and Angel Chan, Lynn Hsieh, and the Italian Consul-General Alessandra Schiavo.

With the full support of renowned Italian Grand Cru wineries, guests enjoyed six of the most celebrated Grand Cru wines. Over the past 20 years, the Comitato Grandi Cru d’Italia (Grand Cru Committee of Italy) has brought exceptional wines, news on wine and wine guides to connoisseurs and sommeliers around the world. The Committee also sets the guidelines for grading wines and the criteria for Grand Cru wineries to maintain the quality and standard of Italian wines.

The Committee donated some exceptional bottles to the SHTM fundraising auction that took place during the evening. Guests generously placed bids on various bottles, raising HK$2 million for the SHTM. The funds will be used to support SHTM students in joining overseas exchange programmes that help to broaden their global outlook.

Along with the exceptional Grand Cru wines, guests were treated to gastronomic delights created by three Michelin Star Chef Annie Feolde and her team. The leading light of the Enoteca Pichiorri restaurant in Florence, Chef Feolde’s culinary creations were the perfect complement to the sensational Italian wines.

In addition to the wonderful treats for the palette, the evening was filled with musical excitement. Renowned vocalist Elia Astornio and Italian pianist Stefano Rover performed at the gala, bringing unforgettable Italian flair to the evening.