2025 FICFF Light Gala Illuminates New York with Hope and Purpose
Fashion in a Conscious Future Foundation Hosts Annual Charity Dinner at Central Park Tower
New York, November 7, 2025 — The Fashion in a Conscious Future Foundation (FICFF) hosted its annual Charity Dinner and Light Gala at the iconic Central Park Tower, bringing together global leaders from business, art, fashion, and philanthropy under the theme “Shining Together for a Better World.” The event celebrated creativity, compassion, and sustainability, uniting distinguished guests and changemakers in support of a shared mission to drive positive global impact.
In the event space located on the 100th floor of Central Park Tower
Funds raised from this year’s gala will support ACOES, a nonprofit organization in Honduras dedicated to education and community development. In his opening remarks, Yitong Qin, Founder and Chair of FICFF and CEO of UNIPX Group, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to empowering underprivileged children through education.
Yitong Qin, Founder and Chair of the Fashion in a Conscious Future Foundation (FICFF), and Founder & CEO of UNIPX Group
“Honduras is one of the poorest countries in Latin America, where many children struggle for even basic necessities, let alone schooling,” Qin said. “Through our partnership with ACOES, we aim to bring education, opportunity, and light to the children who need it most. At FICFF, light represents not only hope, but also action and responsibility.”
The high-profile event was attended by a diverse group of international guests, including Álvaro Ramos (Founder of ACOES), Jourdan Blue (singer-songwriter and America’s Got Talent 2025 finalist), Maribel Lieberman (Founder and CEO of MarieBelle New York and FICFF Founding Member), Nadine Salem (Global Director of Strategic Data & AI Partnerships at Microsoft), Vicki Leung (CEO of Elvis+Elvin), Michael Silver (Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley), Grace Ling (Founder and Creative Director of GRACE LING), Carmen Darie (Womenswear Manager, Brunello Cucinelli), Benoit Paillier (Investment Advisor, Transactions & Compagnie), and Conrad Frederick Gomez (CEO, Sky and Ray Family Office).
From left: Álvaro Ramos, Founder of ACOES, a nonprofit charitable organization in Honduras;
Maribel Lieberman, Founder & CEO of MarieBelle New York and founding member of the FICFF Foundation;
Yitong Qin, Founder and Chair of the FICFF Foundation and Founder & CEO of UNIPX Group
From left: Weiwei, Honorary Co-Chair of the FICFF Foundation;
Singer and songwriter Jourdan Blue;
Conrad Frederick Gomez, CEO of the Sky and Ray family enterprise
Far right: Nadine Salem, Global Director of Strategic Data and AI Software Partnerships at Microsoft
Far left: Michael Silver, Senior Vice President, Director of Alternative Investments, and Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley
Far right: Carmen Darie, Womenswear Business Manager at Brunello Cucinelli
Second from the right: Benoit Paillier, Investment Banking Advisor at Transactions & Compagnie, specializing in family enterprises and founder affairs
As guests dined amid the breathtaking 100th-floor skyline of Central Park Tower — overlooking the shimmering Manhattan lights and the calm reflection of the Hudson River — the spirit of generosity and collaboration filled the room.
Charity Auction: Turning Compassion into Action
Following a warm reception, the evening officially began at 7 p.m. with a charity auction that quickly became one of the highlights of the night. Guests enthusiastically bid on a curated selection of exclusive items — from couture designs and collectible art pieces to one-of-a-kind experiences — with every contribution symbolizing both generosity and shared responsibility.
Guests actively participated in the charity auction
FICFF Light Awards: Honoring Those Who Illuminate the World
The gala also featured the FICFF Light Awards Ceremony, celebrating outstanding individuals and organizations who bring light to the world through sustainability, humanity, and creativity.
Light of Humanity Award: Álvaro Ramos, founder of ACOES, for over 30 years of dedication to free education for more than 12,000 underprivileged children across 40 schools and youth centers in Honduras.
Leadership in Sustainability Award: Jing Wang, co-founder of TOREAD and world-record explorer, for inspiring global audiences to embrace nature and environmental awareness through her groundbreaking achievements.
Rising Impact Award: Jourdan Blue, America’s Got Talent 2025 finalist, for using his music and story to connect hearts and inspire positive change among the next generation.
Group photo of award recipients:
From left: Jourdan Blue, winner of the FICFF Rising Impact Award;
Jing Wang, winner of the FICFF Sustainable Leadership Award (accepted on her behalf by her daughter, Cady Sheng);
Álvaro Ramos, winner of the FICFF Humanitarian Light Award
Celebrating Light, Humanity, and the Future
The evening concluded with an exquisite dinner and live performances presented by Sandy Yao and ARTLEX Entertainment, blending classical and contemporary melodies to create a poetic atmosphere. The event was hosted by renowned charity auctioneer Stefanie Resnick, whose expertise has helped raise millions for nonprofits across the United States.
FICFF expressed heartfelt gratitude to its partners and supporters, including Tiffany & Co., Nardos Design, Barnes Yachting & Aces Yachting, Bang & Olufsen, UNIPX Group, Elvis+Elvin, and MarieBelle Chocolates, whose contributions helped make the evening a success.
As the night came to a close, the 2025 FICFF Light Gala stood as more than a celebration — it was a declaration of purpose. By merging fashion, creativity, and compassion, FICFF continues to shine a light on the path toward a more sustainable and inclusive world.
About FICFF
The Fashion in a Conscious Future Foundation (FICFF) is a nonprofit organization based in New York. Dedicated to transforming fashion into a force for global change, FICFF focuses on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across fashion, lifestyle, sustainability, and education. The foundation aims to build a greener, fairer, and more sustainable future through the power of fashion, art, and innovation.