Charity Auction for Operation Santa Claus

About 20 bidders battled for vintage wines and a range of goodies at a charity auction in Central on Tuesday.

The event was aimed at raising funds for Operation Santa Claus, the annual charity campaign jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.

A total of 12 lots went under the hammer in the 15-minute session, which took place in Grappa’s Cellar at Jardine House after a special edition of the radio programme “Money Talk”, presented by Peter Lewis from RTHK, was broadcast live there.

Contestants, while enjoying the charity breakfast at the restaurant, watched the items on offer closely. The lots, featuring wines and dinner packages, were donated by various companies and individuals.

The real battle began in the bidding for Lot 5, when the auctioneer, Brian Hodgson of Hong Kong Auctions, announced that a luxury holiday was up for grabs.

Some of the participants at the RTHK Money Talk Business Breakfast & Charity Auction.

A number of individuals competed for the item, which sold for HK$13,000 (US$1,663).

The auction concluded with the sale of a case of fine wine, which fetched HK$2,800.

Lewis said he was pleased to see many people had taken part in the charitable event.

“They had a good time,” the programme host said. “The money raised here goes to a good cause.”

Wayne Jones, who took home the holiday package, said he enjoyed the event greatly.

“I’m happy to be here,” he said.

Mira Gould, who placed a bid on a bottle of Moet Chandon and won it, said she would enjoy the champagne with her family.

“I enjoyed the show. The auction was very exciting,” she added. “I wanted to buy all the items.”

All funds raised from the charity breakfast and auction go to Operation Santa Claus.

The amount of money raised at the event has not been announced.