Maria helps serve up $50k for ST fund

Even after receiving many cheques on behalf of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF), this newspaper's editor at large Han Fook Kwang could not help but admit that a Porsche event in aid of the charity yesterday enjoyed an extra touch of stardust.

No wonder, given that the cheque for $50,000 he received on behalf of SPMF came from the hands of tennis superstar and world No. 2 Maria Sharapova.

The amount raised was a combination of auctioned items such as a racket with the Russian player's autograph, a signed giant tennis ball, photo opportunities with the Porsche brand ambassador, as well as personal contributions from Eurokars Group executive chairman Karsono Kwee and customers.

Said Han, who is the SPMF chairman: "It's wonderful to have Porsche's support for so long, but this was particularly special as we have never received a cheque from as glamorous a person as Maria Sharapova in our 14-year history."

Said Ong Lay Ling, executive director of Eurokars Group: "Stuttgart Auto has a longstanding relationship with SPMF. Contributing to our community is very much a part of our corporate mission and we have over the years, donated regularly to this fund."

This article was first published on October 17, 2014, 2014.
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