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Let Us Entertain You! |
The Shangri-La Hotel in Chiang Mai came alive on November 22 with the Foundation’s benefit cocktail party and Broadway revue, “Let Us Entertain You!” In spite of the threatening hard times, over 260 guests from Chiang Mai and beyond came to celebrate, all dressed in their best and looking forward to a lovely evening meeting, greeting, laughing and being entertained for a good cause – the education of rural children in northern Thailand.
The cocktails and wine flowed, the canapés were gratefully received, and the desserts made by FERC board members were hugely appreciated.
For those who needed a few quiet moments, a small but well-stocked bar had been set up in the lush tropical gardens. Many guests took time out to stroll and admire the trees and plants silhouetted against the backdrop of the stunning and sensitively-lit building itself. Throughout the evening, the nostalgic sounds of favorite songs from Broadway shows lent a ‘night-club’ atmosphere which was much enjoyed.
The huge silent auction was artistically displayed along each side of the party area, each item including a description as well as bid sheets. Featured items included a large carved teak wood seated Buddha image, an antique Chinese hardwood chair in the Ming style, lovely pieces of original jewelry, carved jade, hand-loomed silk, exquisite celadon and some truly amazing trips including vouchers for world class golf courses, a weekend at a tennis resort, and spa and hotel vouchers.
Proceeds of this FERC benefit will go to the children of Baan Huay Pa Hon, a Lahu village near Chiang Dao, which has a small school building without electricity and needs a generator as well as school supplies. The children there need to learn Thai in order to attend the nearby Thai village school, but there is little money. FERC is partnering with a private non-profit organization in the USA to improve the conditions in the village and the lives of its children.
Proceeds will also go to FERC’s Scholarship Fund, which distributes two types of scholarships to children in the rural areas of Thailand. Emergency supplementary scholarships are given to students who have unforeseen or special needs for extra funds. In 2008 so far, FERC has awarded 92 of these scholarships which assist students in purchasing uniforms and school supplies. FERC Scholarships are also offered to students who are eager to continue their high school education but need financial assistance to do so.
The party raised over 429,000 baht for the children of northern Thailand’s rural and remote villages.
[See the original announcement about Let Us Entertain You]
Seen at the Benefit Cocktail Party
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copyright © 2001-2009 foundation for the education of rural children |
last updated: June 25, 2010 |