In 2020, the target the local fine jewellery boutique had set and met in its inaugural drive to raise funds in support of the dementia cause was $100,000. Three years later, in a similar event, it manages to triple the amount raised.
Long-time supporter of the dementia community, Esther Ho, founder of local fine jewellery boutique Mus Zenith Affair (MUSZA), is a firm believer of giving back to the community, and particularly the dementia community. She is also especially familiar with the struggles of caregivers of persons with dementia, having cared for her mother who had dementia until her passing in 2019.
Her fundraising journey with Dementia Singapore began in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when she was also able to raise an impressive $100,000 for the dementia cause via her first Mus Zenith Affair charity fundraising auction dinner.
She went on to organise two more highly successful fundraising events in 2021 and 2022, which raised a total of over $380,000, largely from the auction of a stunning range of new and preloved jewellery and an assortment of lifestyle experiences.
Personifying graciousness, her efforts did not go unnoticed. And in recognition of her contribution to helping seniors live well and age gracefully, she was aptly accorded the coveted Friends of Community Care Award by the Agency for Integrated Care in June 2023.
Suffice it to say, with much anticipation in the air, it was good to see an excited crowd of more than a hundred exquisitely dressed guests fill the ballroom at the iconic Raffles Hotel on 9 November that same year, all eager to be part of MUSZA’s fourth charity fundraising auction dinner, titled Gems for Good.
“The natural allure and sentimental value of fine jewellery last a lifetime, and I want to help owners retain their stories for a lifetime,” Ho explained. “Some of the most precious jewellery I own are priceless as they belonged to my late mother, who had mild dementia. I wanted to keep her memory close to my heart, so I re-styled some of her them to suit my style. This was also my source of inspiration when I decided to name this year’s fundraising campaign Gems For Good. And I want to express my support for Dementia Singapore … because it is for a good cause.”
As planned, it was an evening of fine food and festivities, hosted by Dementia Singapore’s Director of Advocacy & Communications, Bernard Lim. He did also have good help from three youths, including Esther’s granddaughter, Victoria Grace Lee, who are also the designers behind some of the evening’s most prized jewellery on auction.
Local stand-up comedian Kumar made a special appearance and captivated the crowd with his uniquely wry humour and natural wit. He even took the opportunity to get up-close and personal with the guests, making his way around the ballroom, exchanging light-hearted banters along the way.
The night concluded on a new high, when it was announced that with the support of everyone present, the event outdid its previous years’ total with over $350,000 raised, three times more than its inaugural fundraising target back in 2020.
“Valuable supporters of our cause, such as Esther, encourage us at Dementia Singapore to go above and beyond to provide our clients and their caregivers with the assistance they deserve,” said Jason Foo, CEO of Dementia Singapore. “With all sincerity, thank you, MUS Zenith Affair, for your generosity and unwavering support.”
