Silent bidding to raise funds, Jimmy Choo and Chef Wan are part of the auction

DATUK Jimmy Choo’s shoes have graced the feet of women from around the world, including those of famous celebrities, while Datuk Chef Wan’s culinary programmes are keenly followed by many.

But it is not every day that one gets to take Choo himself and his friends out for lunch or dinner. Or to have Chef Wan personally cook for a table of 10 at your home.

Two lucky bidders will get to relish this opportunity if they emerge tops in an ongoing silent bidding, which is part of a fund-raising event organised by Steps Ahead Pre-School, Bangsar Shopping Centre and The Ampwalk.

The funds are raised in aid of two organisations — the Make-A-Wish Malaysia and the National Cancer Society Malaysia.

Choo flew in from the UK to lend his presence to the event and graciously ‘auctioned’ himself.

Chef Wan, on the other hand, made a personal contribution of RM10,000 to both the organisations, and the bidding will also see him cook a meal for 10 people.

He also gave a cooking demonstration with food sampling for guests.

“This is the biggest we have done, especially with the presence of Datuk Jimmy Choo and Datuk Chef Wan,” said event organising chairman Jenny Chua.

Various activities were held to raise funds, like the sale of cupcakes decorated by the pre-school children themselves, Chef Wan’s recipe books and also shirts and cufflings by Lord’s Tailor.

The soft-spoken Choo said the organisers had personally requested him to come back some months ago for this event.

“I thought it will be nice to auction myself for dinner where we can chat about food and shoes, something different than just me designing a shoe to auction off.

“If it is just a shoe, the size may not be right or the design may not be liked,” he said.

He said cancer was a matter close to his heart because his late mother was a breast cancer survivor.

Looking smart in a black Lord Tailor’s suit, Choo said he owned about 50 pieces of attire by the local designer.

“While we must have international designer brands in our shores for that world-class status, it is imperative that we support our local designers,” said Choo.

Representing the National Cancer Society Malaysia is medical director and honorary general secretary Dr Saunthari Somasun-daram, while the Make-A-Wish Malaysia patron Tengku Puan Panglima Perlis Tengku Putri Nor Zehan Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al Haj was present.

The total funds raised from the sales of items and donations so far is RM27,000. Chua aimed to raise RM60,000 and hoped the silent bidding would help achieve the target.