Amazing Evening at The Bistro: The Rose Club Gathers to Support Shanty Town Spirit
On the evening of July 3rd, 2025, the elegant Bistro by Barista on Phnom Penh’s Street 240 was filled with warmth, celebration, and purpose. Hosted by The Rose Club, the private event brought together a distinguished group of guests to mark the birthday of HRH Prince Narithipong Norodom, while spotlighting the impactful community work of the NGO Shanty Town Spirit, founded by Princess Ermine Norodom.
With jazz notes floating through the evening air and glasses raised in honour of the Prince, the event was a meaningful reminder that celebrations in Cambodia can be both stylish and socially significant.
The Heart of the Evening: Shanty Town Spirit
Founded over a decade ago by Princess Ermine, Shanty Town Spirit is a Phnom Penh-based NGO that works tirelessly to support families living in some of the city’s most vulnerable communities. The organisation provides food, education, health services, and opportunities for children with special needs—meeting people where they are and offering both dignity and practical support.
Now in its 12th year, the charity continues to grow thanks to partnerships with Cambodia’s private sector, diplomatic community, and media allies. The Bistro event served not only as a celebration but also as a chance to update friends and supporters on ongoing projects and the impact of their contributions.
The Rose Club: Where Giving Meets Glamour
The evening also showcased the mission of The Rose Club, a private giving circle founded by Princess Ermine and presided over by Tony Francis. The Club brings together likeminded individuals committed to elegant, purposeful philanthropy. Events are intimate and intentional—raising not only funds but awareness, connection, and momentum behind community-driven causes.
As President Tony Francis shared during the evening, “The Rose Club isn’t just about networking. It’s about real support, real results, and coming together to do something meaningful in Cambodia.”
A Community of Supporters
Guests at the July 3rd event included a cross-section of Phnom Penh’s socially conscious professional community. In addition to the representatives from the 50+ Rose Club members, also in attendance was Andrea Godfrey from KPMG, Ross Wheble of Knight Frank, Marcel Ventosa and Ning Sukosit from Chenla Agathos Solutions, and Anne Laure Bartenay of BLB were just a few of the familiar faces present.
The event’s success lay not in its formalities but in its warmth—friends of the Rose Club catching up over wine, sharing stories, and finding common cause in the work being done through Shanty Town Spirit.
Looking Ahead
As Cambodia continues to grow and modernize, events like this one remind us that prosperity is most powerful when shared. The Rose Club’s support for Shanty Town Spirit isn’t just symbolic—it’s practical and deeply needed. Whether through healthcare for a child in crisis, rice deliveries for struggling families, or inclusive education programs, the ripple effect is real.
And for those in attendance, it was a night to remember: a royal birthday, a celebration of community, and a shared commitment to making Phnom Penh a better place for all.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
