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Entertainment All Around at MERCY's Malaysia 2007 Annual Fundraising Dinner |
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Saturday, 28 July 2007 |
Another year has passed since the last annual
dinner – and no one can refute the fact that it was definitely a year
full of challenges for most people around the globe – as well as for us
Malaysians, right here on our very own shores.
Therefore, the
organizing committee, led by the highly-capable Puan Sharida, worked
harder than ever before to ensure that on the 29th of July 2007, MERCY
Malaysia’s annual fundraising dinner would be even more memorable than
in previous years. Held at the Grand Mahkota Ballroom of Kuala Lumpur’s
Istana Hotel, we were fortunate enough to have the event graced yet
again by our honourable patron, His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak
Darul Ridzuan, Tuanku Azlan Shah, Her Royal Highness Tuanku Bainun, as
well as numerous notable guests, made up of generous donors and loyal
friends of MERCY Malaysia.
The evening started with a bang as the
highly entertaining children from D’Dance welcomed all our guests with
their delighful interpretation of a traditional dance set. Following
their performance, Azman Sulaiman, Vice President II of MERCY Malaysia,
led everyone in prayer.
Subsequently, Dr. Jemilah made her way
to the stage to deliver her as-always inspiring, informative and highly
moving speech. As she spoke of MERCY Malaysia’s past, present and
future, ending her heart-stirring keynote address with her favourite
motivational poem by Robert Frost, tears were detected welling up in
many guests’ eyes. And everyone’s emotions were heightened even more
when Dr. Jemilah launched MERCY Malaysia’s new Review Video….detailing
the organisation’s journey since its inception in 1999.
It was
close to 9.15 pm when dinner was served. The scrumptious 8-course
dinner was coupled with the soothing sounds of renowned veteran singer,
Datuk Yusni Hamid who clearly dazzled the guests with her silky smooth
voice. Then, to add a little spice to the wonderful spread, actor and
comedienne Harith Iskandar had everyone in stitches as he regaled the
audience with hilarious anecdotes of Malaysian life.
A special
announcement was made next during which Rossimah Mohamed (better known
as Ross to most of us) was bestowed MERCY Malaysia’s long service award
for her invaluable work over the past five years – an award that was
presented to her by Dr. Jemilah.
Right after the special
announcement, the night’s surprise act made her presence known on
stage. Datuk Siti Nurhaliza wowed the party with her stellar
performance that had many members of the audience with cameras clicking
away!
Finally, to end the night by letting our guests know more
about us, a review of MERCY Malaysia’s post-tsunami work was played, in
remembrance of our donors, the beneficiaries as well as the staff
members and volunteers who worked tirelessly to help those afflicted.
The
night came to an end at around 10.30 – a night that was the perfect
combination of entertainment, information and distinguished guests.
There were happy faces all round as old friends said their hellos and
new liaisons were fostered.
On behalf of MERCY Malaysia, please
allow us to thank each and every one of you for your undying support of
us and our work – be it through donations of money, time, sweat and
tears. Your continued loyalty to our cause is what makes us able to
better the lives of our beneficiaries….and we salute you – our
volunteers, our donors, our partners and comrades.
Finally, a
very special thank you goes out to all our wonderful and selfless
volunteers who helped make the night a great success.
Thank you.
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