A new generation of philanthropists drive record fundraiser for children’s health

The rise of social media is inspiring a new generation of socially aware philanthropists and strengthening cross-cultural ties, as the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation’s recent record Lunar New Year Celebration fundraiser attests.

The third time was definitely the charm for this year’s exclusive Lunar New Year Celebration fundraising event hosted by Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF), which set a new record-breaking milestone of over $2.8 million for kids’ healthcare and research. Now in its third year, the glamorous, invite-only event at Crown Sydney has surpassed $2.15 million in 2025.

Drawn in by the enthusiasm of auctioneer Monika Tu, who also chairs the Lunar New Year Celebration committee, a record crowd eagerly bid on an exceptional lineup of live auction items. Highlight auction items included a luxury one-bedroom Melbourne apartment in the exclusive First Light development by DCF Property, and a truly unique collectible: a one-of-a-kind 1kg ABC Bullion Australian silver minted coin, designed by celebrated contemporary artist Rainbow Chan. The winning bidder of the coin also secured an invitation to the exclusive ABC Bullion private marquee in the iconic Birdcage at Flemington Racecourse.

Guests also took part in an exclusive Chopard raffle for the chance to win a stunning Chopard L’Heure du Diamant timepiece.

Kristina Keneally, CEO of SCHF says the Lunar New Year Celebration is a beautiful reflection of the generosity and spirit within our community. “We are deeply grateful to our donors, whose support helps deliver life‑changing care across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. Their commitment ensures we can honour cultural traditions while creating meaningful moments for the patients and families who rely on our hospitals – including the groundbreaking work happening through Kids Research. It’s a privilege for SCHF to join our community in celebrating such an important occasion.”

SCHF is one of the largest and most trusted hospital foundations in the world, creating positive experiences for kids and their families and providing lifesaving equipment, treatment, and cutting-edge research for patients across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.

In the Year of the Horse, the extravagant East meets West event on February 28 underscored the changing face of Australia’s philanthropy as a new generation of socially aware entrepreneurs with cross-cultural ties support the Foundation’s ambitious program.

Social with a cause

Monika Tu, SCHF Ambassador and Founder of luxury real estate agency Black Diamondz Property Concierge, was inspired by Kristina Keneally to create the glamorous Lunar New Year Celebration. Tu shares her time between her high-end real estate empire (70%) and philanthropy (30%) for her twin passions – the arts and children, happily admitting she doesn’t have time for hobbies.

As an enthusiastic social media user, she’s a firm believer in social media’s ability to tap into a new network of social awareness, thereby opening doors to a new wave of philanthropists. “The younger generation is about engaging in the moment. You must engage them for who they are. If they have fun, they’ll share their story,” Tu says. “My brand is about having fun, but again, the Lunar New Year Celebration Committee is very driven by business, and very purposeful.”

Contributing to society

This year’s committee includes many new faces, with 25-year-old Hong Kong-based investment analyst Li Hwa Lee, invited by Tu, joining as co-chair. DCF Property Group founder Calvin Huang recently joined the committee, and his Melbourne-based company stepped up as the event’s presenting partner. Huang sees his new role as one that introduces his own business network to SCHF fundraising activities and raises social awareness, backed by his company’s media teams in Australia and Hong Kong.

For Huang, giving back to society is a family affair. Both his father and grandfather are involved in philanthropic pursuits in Hong Kong. “I’m a migrant, and I’m very lucky to come to Australia to study, to learn, to get my permanent residency, and become a citizen,” he says. “I felt it was time to step up to having a greater contribution to society, giving back more. Philanthropy is not about age. It’s about the right time in your life. You appreciate what you have, as I do now, and I want to give back in a bigger way.”

Huang’s DCF Property Group is also a major partner of the Science Gallery Melbourne, which encourages innovation and supports next-generation STEM students, in addition to the Museum of Chinese Australian History in Melbourne.

But joining SCHF’s Lunar New Year Celebration Committee is also deeply personal. He, too, understands the impact illness can have on children and the feeling of helplessness a parent feels at such a time. As a young father, his three-year-old son, Harvey, had a medical emergency and became seriously unwell. Now aged 10, Harvey looks set to join the next generation of philanthropists in his family and strongly supports giving whenever the opportunity arises. “Harvey’s a lovely boy. I spend a lot of time talking to him about my work and what I do. And he’s very generous,” Huang says Harvey often asks, “Dad, where are your coins?” when he sees an opportunity to donate to charity.