Rosewood Phnom Penh Raises Over US$41,000 for Cambodian Youth Education and Arts

After months of brainstorming, planning, and coordination, Rosewood Phnom Penh, an ultra-luxury hotel in the heart of the Cambodian capital, was thrilled to host two successful charity events in March for Phare Ponleu Selpak, one of Cambodia’s most influential grassroots arts and vocational training centers. Going above and beyond the average charity event, both evenings showcased epic performances, delicious food, and Rosewood’s famed hospitality.

On March 18, the hotel’s Phare Ponleu Selpak fundraising dinner welcomed 100 guests to Salon 1 on the 36th floor for a night of enchanting experiences. The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception, during which world-class Phare performers wowed the crowd with astonishing gymnastics, juggling, and hula-hooping in colorful costumes. The show continued over a gourmet four-course dinner, where a mesmerizing circus act was paired with each course for a dining experience like no other. After the theatrical meal, the hotel held a charity auction featuring unique local art pieces and luxury travel experiences. The auction’s proceeds went towards Phare’s arts-based kindergarten program, annual living scholarship for vocational training students, and vocational training services in the visual and applied arts.

The following evening, on March 19, the hotel hosted “An Evening with Phare” for the public at Sora Sky Bar, where 100% of the event’s entry fee benefited Phare. The sold-out evening welcomed 200 guests, who enjoyed an incredible circus performance by Phare acrobats, live music, DJ sets, and the opportunity to support one of Cambodia’s most influential organizations amid breathtaking skyline views.

Collectively, Rosewood Phnom Penh raised over USD41,000 from the two charity events. The funds will be vital to the Cambodian non-profit association, which has faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic.

According to Osman Khawaja, executive director of Phare Ponleu Selpak, COVID-19 forced the organization to cancel circus performances, slashing revenues when the community needed Phare most. “These two fundraising events were about the survival of a unique, iconic arts organization in Cambodia. Thanks to Rosewood Phnom Penh’s great solidarity initiatives, we will be able to continue our essential mission of educating the next generation of Cambodian creatives while preserving Cambodian arts and culture,” said Khawaja.

“Our Phare fundraising events reflect Rosewood Phnom Penh’s dedication to supporting education, cultivating the arts and investing in our local community,” “We are delighted that our events brought together so many people to support Phare Ponleu Selpak, a cherished organization that works tirelessly to improve the lives of youth and families while truly inspiring us all.”

Daniel Simon, managing director of Rosewood Phnom Penh

Rosewood Phnom Penh extends its deepest gratitude to the dinner’s generous sponsors, including SNAPP.media for its exceptional photography services, as well as Auskhmer Import & Export, Gof Cambodia, Indoguna Cambodia, LOKA Food&Beverage, LSH Cambodia, Ostra Fine Foods, and Pernod Ricard Cambodge for the delectable food and drink. The charity auction was made possible with the generous support of La Villa des Palmes (Kep), Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection Pool Villas (Siem Reap), Shinta Mani Wild Bensley Collection (Southern Cardamom), Song Saa Private Island (Koh Rong Archipelago), Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang (Siem Reap), Azerai La Residence (Hue, Vietnam), and Rosewood Phuket (Thailand), through which guests were able to bid on an enticing array of sought-after travel experiences.