November, 2019
Over 300 guests, friends and supporters of The Ireland Funds Singapore gathered at The St Regis Singapore for the 11th Annual Emerald Ball and a fun-filled evening of cabaret and fundraising. We were delighted to have European Commissioner Phil Hogan as an honored guest as well as HE Patrick Bourne, Irish Ambassador to Singapore with his wife Sonali, and the newly appointed British High Commissioner, HE Kara Owen and husband William Tierney.
McNally Memorial Pipers piped guests into the ballroom, and the cabaret showtime commenced with a stunning performance by the Hi Energy Dancers getting the evening off to a fantastic start.
Shan Wee, cabaret ‘show man’ and emcee, introduced Dr. Stanley Quek, Chairman who gave a warm welcome to all including guests of honour and representatives of our benefitting charities covering the four pillars of community, education, arts & culture and sport.
The smooth tunes of the Summertime Hotshots jazz band accompanied dinner, with the dulcet tones of Mathilda D’Silva (Singapore Idol finalist), and a fabulous guest appearance by our Board member, Mrs Noor Quek, a highlight of the evening.
Ambassador Bourne gave a warm thanks to The Ireland Funds for being a champion of shared Irish values including generosity, creativity, fairness and tolerance and for all their charitable contribution and Commissioner Phil Hogan expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome to Singapore and the great work of the Funds.
Dance Diploma students from LASALLE College of the Arts showcased their talents with a lively medley choreographed by the renowned Gerard Raj.
Jai Kishen, a Youth Worker with Boys Town who accompanied disadvantaged youths to Ireland for adventure therapy programme as part of Ireland Funds Singapore funded project, gave a moving insight to their work of Boys Town, and James Chan shared how his love for Irish music helped him overcome the challenges of autism before giving a wonderful flute performance.
The evening raised over $500,000 through table sales, donations, and live and silent auctions with many thanks to our kind sponsors, donors and supporters.
Dr Quek, Ambassador Bourne and Commissioner Hogan presented cheques to Singapore Institute of Technology, Boys Town, LASALLE, Filos Community Services, Singapore Irish Rugby Club.
The evening was wrapped up with lots of dancing as guests enjoyed the disco, warm company and the craic.
Thanks to Dr Lee Min Sze and her ball committee for all their hard work putting together a successful fundraiser and fantastic Cabaret!
