Around The World Gala Ball 06

Around the World in one glorious night

Some of the glamorous couples dressed up for the charity ball.
Sharona Watson
It was a fitting title for a fantastic evening. The PILC “Around the World Charity Ball” 2006, on November 25th brought together just about everybody I could imagine inviting to a party that had to rage long into the night. It was an evening when women came first, as discerning men know they should, and when women’s work shone bright for all to see. Our men were dressed in their best and there were some handsome faces out there to be sure, but on this occasion at least, they were definitely ‘trailing spouses’. For all the male finery on show, they couldn’t match the beauty and elegance of the women; not that it was a contest. Just a fact.
PILC President Gillian Thom and her husband Andy.
Rosanne Diamente, whose organisation and flair infused the ball, was absolutely stunning in a royal blue ball gown bordered in white. She looked quite the part and I have to admit that her Italian husband, Michael, one of the main sponsors of the evening, was a perfect partner. Maybe it’s an Italian thing? I mean, what is it about Italian males? Their attention to detail is, oh! Almost feminine! There was something special about the atmosphere, right from the start. It crackled and fizzed. I’m sure it’s got something to do with the fact that our men were happy to take a back-seat. There was no jostling for position, no macho rubbish, although I have to admit I’ve always secretly nursed a desire to find out what really is under a kilt. There were quite a few around.
For a good evening to become great, it probably helps that everything is perfectly in place. For this, I have always found the Royal Cliff Beach Resort to be entirely dependable. Ranjith Chandrasiri was there of course, although he looked happy to be utterly upstaged by his captivating wife, Chitra. Champagne to start the evening is always going to be a winner, but then to see some of my best friends in the whole world who have been away for ages was fantastic! All the way from Turkmenistan had come Kylie Grimmer, who looked more gorgeous than ever, and by her side was her hubby Greg, always, always the gentleman (my husband could learn a thing or two from him!). I spotted one of the great ‘givers’ of the Eastern Seaboard, Dolores Carr-Wickes. Actually, I know that she shuns publicity and prefers others to get the credit, but she does so much and I’m pleased to acknowledge this wonderful Irish woman in some small way, here and now. She’s my kind of woman. She doesn’t take any bull from anyone. Now her husband, Ed, is a gentle giant. Very, very clever and very sweet with it and just about the most polite person I’ve ever met. Irish, of course, as well.
Dr. Iain shows his heritage.
Kavita Singh always looks glamorous but she was particularly luscious in her Sari. Hold on a minute, she’s got a suave and sophisticated man as well! Anil, who as captain of the ship otherwise known as LCB Container Terminal 1, was another generous sponsor of the ball. I looked over at my man. I wasn’t comparing him to anyone else, honestly. “Yeah” I thought, “he looks pretty good in black tie.” It’s such fun getting dressed up, isn’t it? I only wish there were more opportunities.
Silvery and striking, President Gillian Thom made a welcoming speech, which was refreshing because it went straight to the point and didn’t go on for hours. She thanked the other sponsors; Volclay Siam, Dana Spicer, Rayong, Mermaid Maritime Ltd, Ursula’s Antiques, John & Sukanya Seaton, Copeland Emerson, Premier Homes and the Pattaya Mail. It was a grand setting; full and frothing so to speak. The sponsors had truly done a great job and all for charity of course, for the needy of Pattaya.
As I got stuck into some spinach soup, I found myself smiling to myself. It was gratifying to be amongst such wonderful company; nobody, as I looked around, seemed to be without a smile on their face either. The choice of wine was brilliant; the white had a little trace of lemon in it and the red was light yet a perfect companion to the beef. They would have been Ranjith’s recommendation, I suppose? Sometimes, you wonder whether after eating, you’ll be too full to dance, but this, like Goldilocks’ porridge, was ‘just right’. We were playing ‘musical chairs’ on our table, moving around after each course to catch up with friends and to make new ones. It was divine.
A formal ‘thank-you’ to the sponsors was followed by the first round of bopping. As the “Pops All Stars Band” burst into life, people swarmed onto the dance floor for some ‘oldies’ and let me tell you, this was ‘full-on’ grooving. You simply can’t stay sitting down to ‘I can’t get no satisfaction.’ People who might not have been determined to have a great time, were swept along by a tide of happiness. I felt like I was flying through the air; wow! It’s great to dance the night away! There was but a brief pause, which I must admit I felt I needed, whilst the charity auction proceeded. One day I’ll win something, maybe. But the real winners are the needy.
Then it was back to the dance floor, where my friend Chandra was gyrating with such passion that you could only join in. A sporran of kilts danced by and lined up as one; that was hilarious. One of the kilted gentlemen was Ronald MacDonald, for real. He was a very charming man as well and no, his tartan was not red and yellow.
Thirty four nationalities were represented; it was truly a global celebration. Putting national flags on the tables was a lovely touch, they kind of reflected the rhythm of the evening. If Brazilians are having a carnival, it must be good and Lucia and Carlos (“I’m just a poor boy from a poor family”) were in their element. Like them, I was having a ‘ball’. Midnight passed and I hadn’t even seen it coming. By 2am we were still going, but slowly the Siam Ballroom had emptied. Our table was reluctant to leave; the company was so convivial I could have talked and danced until daybreak. But all good things must come to an end. PILC - thank you. It was a memorable evening.

PILC President Gillian Thom thanks Rosanne Diamente for her hard work in organizing such a wonderful event.

Rosanne Diamente presents the evening’s main auction attraction: an antique cabinet donated by Ursala’s Antiques.

PILC President Gillian Thom (right) presents Sue K, on behalf of Pattaya Mail, with a certificate of appreciation for helping to sponsor the evening.

PILC President Gillian Thom (right) presents Hugh Parker, on behalf of Volclay Siam, with a certificate of appreciation for helping to sponsor the evening.

PILC President Gillian Thom (right) presents Mark Shepard, on behalf of Mermaid Maritime Ltd., with a certificate of appreciation for helping to sponsor the evening.

PILC President Gillian Thom (right) presents Ursula Rothstein with a certificate of appreciation for wonderful donation to the auction.

PILC President Gillian Thom (right) presents Michael Diamente, on behalf of Dana Spicer (Thailand) Ltd., with a certificate of appreciation for helping to sponsor the evening.

PILC President Gillian Thom (right) presents Tom Zofkie, on behalf of Copeland - Emerson, with a certificate of appreciation for helping to sponsor the evening.

PILC President Gillian Thom (right) presents Sukanya Seaton with a certificate of appreciation for her and John Seaton’s help in sponsoring the evening.

The friendly team from Copeland - Emerson proudly shows off their certificate of appreciation for helping to sponsor the event.

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