The Emerald Ball – The Enchanted Forest
November 8th,2014 saw over 300 friends and supporters of The Singapore Ireland Fund gather at the prestigious St. Regis Hotel to enjoy another Emerald Ball – the annual major fundraising event in TSIF’s calendar. The theme of this year’s Ball was “The Enchanted Forest” and the ballroom and tables were suitably decorated with plenty of greenery and a profusion of butterflies.
TSIF’s selected charity for 2014 was the Autism Resource Centre (Singapore)(ARC) which, under the direction of President Ms. Denise Phua, is planning to develop a dedicated Art Studio for young adults with autism. Funds raised at the Ball will be donated to ARC to allow for the setting up and equipping of this fine project and will be matched 1:1 by Singapore Government funding.
The generosity of the local Singapore and Irish community was well reflected in the many supporters and sponsors who contributed monies directly or donated items for inclusion in the live and silent auctions which made a significant contribution to the financial success of the evening.
Special guests included the new Irish Ambassador to Singapore, Mr. Geoffrey Keating and his lovely wife Jane and Ms. Denise Phua who, along with her work for ARC, is also Mayor of Central District, Singapore and her husband Mr. Roland Tay and The Worldwide Ireland Funds President & CEO Kieran McLoughlin on a flying visit through Singapore, joined Fund Chairman, Dr. Stanley Quek and his wife, Ong BeBe on the top table.
An Irish “flavour” kicked off the event – literally as The Irish Inspirational Dance Group captivated the assembled audience with a display of contemporary Irish dance which set a great and happy mood for the evening. In keeping with the general theme, guests were later treated to a beautifully choreographed interpretation of “Swan Lake” by English National Ballet member, Rose Larkings. Musicians “10 Seconds” entertained all with some soft music during the meal and some great dance numbers at the latter end of the proceedings.
Dr. Quek made all feel welcome with his introductory speech, explain a bit about the fund and its important work, ably supported a little later by some well chosen words by Worldwide Funds President & CEO Kieran McLoughlin.
The evenings “project” was introduced by Ms. Denise Phua in a thoughtful and thought provoking speech which, no doubt, had a decided effect in the level of bidding experienced in the two auctions as guests reacted generously with their hearts and their wallets. Two of the more successful auction items were art works by artists who will benefit directly from the new facility when it is completed and we were delighted to welcome Glenn Phua and Aaron Yap with their parents and thank them for the excellent pieces they contributed.
TSIF are grateful indeed to all those friends and supporters who gave so generously throughout the evening, with this year’s Ball deemed by all to be the best yet for fine fare, fun and friendship and certainly the best financially meeting and exceeding all the targets set by the Ball Committee for the event.
Heartfelt thanks were offered to Mrs. Sheila Lim who, as Chairwoman of the Ball Committee, once again masterminded another memorable and successful Ball, and to all the helpers and volunteers who contributed to this wonderful event.
