PILC Around The World Gala Ball 2006

PILC AROUND THE WORLD GALA BALL
Saturday 25TH November 2006
ROYAL CLIFF BEACH RESORT HOTEL, PATTAYA
Over 300 guests attended the Pattaya International Ladies Club Gala “Around the World” Charity Gala Ball held at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel on Saturday 25th November.

At 7p.m. guests started to arrive, and it was obvious that this year was going to be a glittering, colourful social occasion.  The ladies looked stunning in their beautiful cocktail dresses, ball-gowns and national costumes.  But the men looked equally so, in suits, tuxedoes and some gentlemen wore splendid kilts representing different Scottish clans.
 
After the champagne reception with wine kindly donated by V.J. Classic Wines Ltd. guests were called into the Siam Ballroom by the dinner gong.  The ballroom looked superb with the tables beautifully decorated with flowers and flags from all over the world emphasizing the Around the World theme.

Gillian Thom, PILC President, started the proceedings by welcoming everyone, after which a superb 4 course dinner was served.  The menu was specially designed by Walter, the head chef at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, with wines to accompany the meal expertly selected and again kindly donated by VS Classic Wines Ltd.

After dinner, the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Andrew Gordon started the proceedings. President, Gillian Thom, thanked the sponsors of the 2006 Gala Charity Ball:

Mr. Hugh Parker, Volclay Siam
Mr. Michael Diamente, Dana Spicer, Rayong
Mr. Mark Shepherd, Mermaid Maritime Ltd;
Ursula Rothstein, Ursula’s Antiques;
John and Sukanya Seaton;
Mr. Tom Zofkie, Copeland-Emerson;
Mr. Clayton Wade, Premier Homes;
Mr. Anil Singh, LCB Container Terminal 1 Ltd.
Ms. Katie Ayers.   
And Pattaya Mail

Gillian Thom then presented a certificate to each sponsor in recognition of their kind donations and continuing support of the PILC charity work. Platinum sponsors were also given a set of engraved PILC crystal glasses. 

Each sponsor was asked to draw tickets and 10 lucky guests won prizes which had been donated by the vendors who supported the 2006 Holiday Bazaar.

Then it was time for dancing and as the “Pops All Stars Band” started to play, so the dance floor started to fill.  Judging by the amount of people on the dance floor, the music was obviously thoroughly enjoyed!

It was time for a rest and to return to the evening’s proceedings, namely the Charity Auction.  This is an important highlight of the Ball, with all proceeds going directly to support PILC welfare projects. Helle Rantsen and the PILC Welfare team have worked tirelessly during 2006 on many projects to help the under-privileged, particularly children.

Master of Ceremonies, Andrew Gordon did an excellent job as auctioneer and this year, 270,000 baht was raised. On behalf of PILC, Andrew Gordon thanked those who bid and purchased the items, as well as those who had donated them. The items auctioned were

A model replica of the U.S.S. Constitution, donated by Pattaya Boat Show Emporium Art Gallery.

A bottle of 1995 Grand Cru Burgundy, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grands-Eschseaux, considered by many as Burgundy’s greatest domain, 1995 being one of the best recent vintages; donated by Indian by Nature Restaurant.

A Chinese Antique cabinet dating from the 19th century, made of fir wood in the Whenzou province of China, donated by member, Ursula Rothstein, Ursula’s Antiques, Pattaya.

A day cruising around the Gulf of Thailand or 10 people on a beautiful 39 foot Prout catamaran, complete with crew and lunch, donated by Gulf Charters.

A brooch and earrings set made of 18 carat gold with diamonds, donated by long-time member Arlette Cyknam, Arlette’s Treasures. 

Mini Suite at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel for two nights, donated by the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel.
As the evening proceedings ended, there was a final thank you to the PILC Organising Committee, who had worked so hard to arrange this years Ball; to Rosanne Diamente, Special Events Chairperson; to Susan Farrar; Kavita Lamba and the many others who helped make this event possible.

Then it was back to the dancing until 1.p.m for those with the energy!

It is hoped that everyone enjoyed the Gala Ball!  But let us not forget that there is a serious purpose behind the event.  So far, the Ball has raised over 550,000 baht, and counting continues. So, to the sponsors; to those who donated items for auction; to those who donated gifts and to all the PILC volunteers who were involved in organizing the ball, a special thank you.

The PILC is a non-profit, non-political group organized to support international women in developing friendship and to help expatriates settle into the community by providing opportunities for social, cultural and philanthropic endeavours, thus fostering a positive experience living in Thailand.

If you would like any further information about PILC membership, social or welfare activities, or sponsorship opportunities for future projects, please contact Gillian Thom, President, 081 7626003