BEYOND THE RED CARPET: Prof. Mike Chan Joins Toni Garrn’s Exclusive Cannes Charity Luncheon in Antibes

A Different Side of Cannes

ANTIBES, France (May 15, 2026) — While Cannes is globally known for flashing cameras, luxury yachts, and glamorous film premieres, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mike Chan experienced another side of the Riviera on May 15, one centered on philanthropy, humanitarian causes, and intimate global networking.

Accompanied by international socialite and Cannes regular Hofit Golan, Prof. Mike traveled nearly an hour from Cannes to the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc for the invitation-only “Cannes Luncheon to Benefit Amend & The Toni Garrn Foundation.”

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is a landmark seaside hotel in Cap d’Antibes, widely known for its historic luxury setting and Cannes-season events. The word “Gartenfassade” is German and means “garden façade,” which is why the phrase appears in image/file titles rather than as an official place name.

It was featured in numerous films, commercials, product launches, and photo shoots ranging from the 1971 James Bond flick ‘Diamonds are Forever’ to 2008’s ‘What Just Happened’ starring Robert de Niro; Dior fragrance commercials with Jude Law and Natalie Portman; Chanel Cruise Collection runway shows and luxury car promotions.

Set against crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and elegant seaside terraces overlooking the French Riviera, the luncheon gathered celebrities, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, fashion personalities, and global guests in one of the most exclusive daytime events of the Cannes season.

The breathtaking venue itself became part of the story.

Guests arrived through a long tree-lined driveway leading into the iconic estate, where manicured gardens, towering pines, and immaculate white architecture framed sweeping ocean views. Inside, soft pastel interiors and grand archways opened into elegant lounges bathed in Riviera sunlight. Dining areas stretched directly toward the sparkling Mediterranean, where waves shimmered endlessly beyond the glass windows and outdoor decks.

“It felt like stepping into a postcard,” Prof. Mike remarked during the gathering. “The scenery, the atmosphere, and the purpose behind the event created something very special.”

Who Is Toni Garrn?

Garrn rose to international prominence after becoming an exclusive Calvin Klein model, later appearing on major runways and magazine covers around the world. She has also used her platform to support social-impact work, with a focus on education and empowerment for vulnerable girls.

She was previously linked to actor Leonardo DiCaprio, a relationship that drew public attention in the early 2010s. Since then, she has built her own profile through fashion and philanthropy, including initiatives tied to women’s empowerment and road safety.

Her foundation, established in 2016, focuses on supporting education and health initiatives for girls and young women in Ghana, Uganda, Burundi, and other African communities.

According to the luncheon program distributed during the event, the foundation’s mission is to provide girls with “a safe space to learn and grow, as equals, to make their own educated decisions in life.”

The luncheon also supported Amend, an organization dedicated to preventing road traffic injuries among children across sub-Saharan Africa. Amend currently operates projects in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, and Tanzania, implementing proven safety measures to protect children traveling to and from school.

Art, Philanthropy and the Cannes Spirit

A private charity auction formed one of the major highlights of the luncheon.

Auction booklets distributed to guests revealed a curated selection of contemporary artworks and iconic photography pieces donated specifically for the fundraiser.

Among the featured items was “Beautiful Girl, 2025” by contemporary pop artist Mr. Brainwash—a mixed-media artwork described as “a vivid expression of love, hope, and color.” The piece portrayed a young girl in a pink dress against an energetic collage backdrop, reflecting the artist’s signature blend of street culture and optimism.

Another centerpiece was Terry O’Neill’s legendary photograph “Faye Dunaway: The Morning After, 1977,” widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most iconic images. The photograph captured actress Faye Dunaway beside the Beverly Hills Hotel pool on the morning after her Oscar victory for Network, an image celebrated for its raw, unguarded portrayal of stardom.

The auction catalog noted that proceeds from all winning bids would benefit both Amend and the Toni Garrn Foundation.

Sponsors and supporters listed within the event materials included luxury and fashion-related names such as Hassanzadeh Paris, Lunet, DuPont, Studio C, and Mayneri Life Homes.

A Gathering of Influence and Humanity

Elegant details and luxury displays at the exclusive Cannes Charity Luncheon at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, where Riviera glamour, fashion, art, and philanthropy came together against the breathtaking backdrop of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea during the Cannes Festival season.

Throughout the afternoon, guests mingled across elegant dining halls and oceanfront terraces while discussing philanthropy, film, fashion, and global initiatives.

Photographs from the event captured Prof. Mike alongside Toni Garrn and Hofit Golan, reflecting the increasingly international circles surrounding his growing visibility during the Cannes Film Festival.

For Prof. Mike Chan, whose own global advocacy centers around healthspan, regenerative medicine, and humanitarian healthcare, the luncheon highlighted how influential global platforms can also become meaningful spaces for social impact.

“Events like this remind us that influence should also come with responsibility,” he said. “When people from entertainment, fashion, business, and healthcare come together for a meaningful cause, the impact can extend far beyond the event itself.”

Cannes Beyond Cinema

The Antibes luncheon also reflected a lesser-seen dimension of Cannes itself.

Behind the famous red carpets and celebrity premieres lies an ecosystem of private gatherings, humanitarian fundraisers, luxury networking events, and philanthropic initiatives where global influence converges with social causes.

As the Mediterranean waves rolled gently beyond the luncheon terrace and conversations continued beneath the Riviera sun, the gathering became more than simply another Cannes social event.

It became a reminder that amid glamour and prestige, the Cannes season can also serve as a platform for awareness, compassion, and global change.