From a Charity Gala to a School in Sumba: Stelliers Celebrates Jean-Pierre Joncas and the Power of Hospitality to Make a Difference
Sometimes, the most meaningful measure of success is what we leave behind.
During a recent visit to Sumba, Indonesia, Stéphane de Montgros, Co-founder of Stelliers, and Ellen Wu, his life partner, an Impact Investor and founder of Resilient Solution Hub, saw firsthand how a charity initiative led by Jean-Pierre Joncas, General Manager of Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort and Stelliers Asia 2026 General Manager of the Year, has helped create new opportunities for local children.
Jean-Pierre Joncas with his team at the Stelliers Asia 2026 Grand Awards Ceremony
In partnership with Bali Life Foundation, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort raised IDR 500 million at its inaugural charity gala in November 2025. The funds helped build a new school in Southwest Sumba, which officially opened in July 2026.
The school features two classrooms, running water and proper sanitation facilities, giving children in the Tambolaka community a safer and more supportive place to learn, grow and imagine a different future.
For Stéphane, seeing the school and meeting the children and teachers who bring it to life was a deeply personal experience.
Reflecting on the visit, he shared:
"I was humbled by the positive energy, love of life and sense of hope these beautiful children gave Ellen and me.
I was equally moved by the dedication of their teachers, who work tirelessly to bring education to the children of Sumba and give the next generation more opportunities for the future.
What Jean-Pierre and his team have achieved is a powerful reminder of what hospitality can accomplish beyond the walls of our hotels. What began as a charity dinner has become something tangible that will serve the community for years to come."
An Invitation to Bali's Hospitality Community
The story does not end with the opening of the school. On Friday, 11 December 2026, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort will host its 2nd Annual Charity Dinner, An Evening of Purpose & Possibility, once again in support of Bali Life Foundation.
Building on last year's success, the evening will bring together Bali's hospitality community, business leaders and philanthropists for a four-course dinner, free-flow wines, live music and a charity auction. One hundred per cent of the proceeds will go to Bali Life Foundation to support its work with vulnerable children, women and families.
Stéphane is encouraging fellow hoteliers and Stelliers friends across Bali to join the evening and help continue the work already underway.
"I invite all our Stelliers friends in Bali, and the island's wider hotelier community, to come together on 11 December and support this wonderful initiative.
It doesn't matter who owns the hotel you work for or which brand appears on your building. We are all part of the same industry, and we have an opportunity to make a difference beyond our own businesses.
What matters is that we show up for the next generation of Indonesians and help create opportunities where they are needed most.
Jean-Pierre, you make us proud to have you among our Stelliers winners. And to the entire Sofitel Bali team, thank you for showing what can happen when people come together for a cause that matters."