The act of philanthropy, Chin Bottinelli points out, doesn’t just improve the lives of beneficiaries; it also enriches the lives of donors. An entrepreneur as well as a director at private family office Imagine Capital, she has devoted the last 12 years to giving back to Food from the Heart (FFTH).
“Helping others helps us to step out of our comfort zone, take a look beyond ourselves, and see how we can make the world a better place. This gives me a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment,” says Bottinelli, a board member of FFTH from 2013 to 2024.
Founded in Singapore by Henry and Christine Laimer in 2003, the non-profit aims to alleviate hunger by providing the needy with consistent and sustainable support through its food distribution programmes.
A good example is Bread Run, which distributes surplus bread collected from community partners. Another programme, Market Place, channels near-expiring food products from retailers to needy families. In addition, FFTH operates five Community Shop mini marts across Singapore, where beneficiaries can redeem preferred items for their food packages.
In its 2023 annual report, FFTH showed that food valued at $7,420,000 was distributed to more than 59,000 beneficiaries. Despite this, Bottinelli knows there’s more to be done, and she’s already putting the pedal to the metal.
As Chairperson of Passion Ball—happening on 25 April at The Singapore Edition—she is responsible for organising the fundraiser to galvanise support for food distribution programmes and community outreach initiatives.
“It upset me to learn that so many children here go to school hungry because of their families’ financial struggles. I found this very difficult to accept and decided I had to make a difference.”
Chin Bottinelli on what led her to start volunteering with FFTH
Getting people to put their money where their mouth is can be tricky, though. Bottinelli explains that fundraising isn’t just about securing one-time contributions—it’s also about building relationships that last.
“We have to craft meaningful engagement activities to show donors the direct impact of their generosity while ensuring their involvement is deeply rewarding.”
For example, guests can bid on fine timepieces and artwork during the Passion Ball live auction, and participate in the School Goodie Bag Programme, which provides underprivileged children with food essential to their physical and mental development on a monthly basis.
“This segment keeps it real for our guests. Amid the merriment and excitement, we are reminded of the positive change Passion Ball seeks to achieve,” she says.
While she acknowledges the “incredibly crowded” space that has charities fighting hard for support, it doesn’t seem to faze her. “Singaporeans have become more discerning,” she admits, “but I believe FFTH has managed to grow year after year due to our single-minded mission to address food insecurity. So, it is really about going back to the basics: that there are people who go hungry in a country as affluent as ours resonates with many Singaporeans.”
She began volunteering with FFTH back in 2010 because of this. “It upset me to learn that so many children here go to school hungry because of their families’ financial struggles,” she confides. “I found this very difficult to accept and decided I had to make a difference.”
Helping needy families at FFTH has also strengthened her own family. She is married to Oliviero Bottinelli, a board member at Audemars Piguet, which has served as the main sponsor of Passion Ball since 2012. They are often seen with their three daughters at events such as food donation drives.
“By lifting others up, we build networks, strengthen relationships, and lay the foundation for future generations. Building a family that is compassionate, caring, and empathic depends on this sense of unity.
“It is with this kampung spirit that my parents grew up, and from which my siblings and I have also benefitted greatly. Now, I want my children to experience this.”
If you would like to contribute to Passion Ball 2025 through sponsorships or collaboration, contact passionball@foodheart.org.
