PILC Gala Ball 2009

On Saturday, November 14, the Amari laid out the red carpet to welcome 160 for the event of the year, the PILC “Live and Let’s Dine” Gala Ball, Bond style.  With an Aston Martin parked out front, James Bond, played by Christopher Parsons from Pattaya Players, arrived in true Bond style with a Bond girl attached to his arm.  The lobby of the Grand Ballroom had the atmosphere of Oscar night with various James Bond movie posters everywhere and many Bond girls with their guns.

The evening started with a glittering champagne and martini reception, with many of the guests arriving wearing elegant ball gowns and tuxedos.  The evening was opened by Mistress of Ceremonies, Rachel Hoag.  She then invited President Gillian Thom to thank all the members for their personal contribution to the club’s success, to the many individuals and businesses that had given donations over the years, and to the sponsors for their continued support.

After a delicious five-course dinner accompanied by wines provided by Royal Prestige Wines, Gillian Thom thanked Special Events Coordinator, Chantal Oldaker, and her team for their help organizing the ball, and the Amari Hotel and General Manager, David Cummings, for the exceptional lengths they went to in creating the scene for the ball.  Presentations were made to all the sponsors of the ball:  Mermaid Offshore Services Ltd; John and Sukanya Seaton from Seaton Lakera Trust; Mike Diamente from Dana Spicer; Gary Milton from Foster Wheeler, Peter Malhotra from Pattaya Mail and Dave Tailors.

The evening continued with a charity auction, handled by James Bond himself.  Many individuals and businesses donated items for this auction: an antique Chinese-style dresser donated by Ursula Rothstein of Ursula’s Antiques with complimentary delivery provided by AGS Four Winds International Movers; two 110 cm hand-sculpted pure marble decorative columns donated by Eligible, a beautiful new homeware boutique located in Bangkok; Intercity Transport voucher donated by Transpo to move household goods within the Bangkok, Chonburi, Pattaya and Rayong area; Chefs Dinner for 10 people, to be experienced in a working kitchen of the brand new Holiday Inn Pattaya, the menu will be cooked by the Holiday Inn’s Executive Chef, Jason Large; two, five-day ‘International Yacht Training Certification’ sailing courses for all levels of skill from beginner to advanced, donated by Tim MacMahon of Gulf Charters Thailand; prize for 3 persons, donated by Mr. Ronald Gentsch managing director of BMW Manufacturing Thailand – prize includes pickup at home in a chauffeur driven BMW 7 Series and transfer to the BMW manufacturing plant in Amata City, plant tour and presentation by Mr. Gentsch on the production of the new 7 Series, followed by refreshments and a chauffeur driven transfer home; one-night stay at the luxurious and contemporary DusitD2 Baraquda Pattaya Hotel in an ocean themed deluxe room with bubbling breakfast for two persons and two spa treatment vouchers; a decorated gold ring donated by Khun Chong Suwichakronpongs of the World of Gems South Road Pattaya, the proceeds of which will be donated directly to Baan Jing Jai; abstract 50 x 110 cm multi-media painting on canvas donated by longstanding and esteemed PILC member, Chitra Chandrasiri.

In addition to the live auction, there was also a silent auction.  The fabulous items donated were: Ten Thai cooking lessons donated by accomplished chef and lifetime PILC member Alvi Sinthuvanik; Pack of three Jim Thompson Thai Silk Bags donated by PILC Vice President Connie Kwok; Pearls donated by longstanding and esteemed PILC member Ivy Schlageter; Health Check Up donated by Bangkok Pattaya Hospital; 5-carat Topaz gemstone donated by Khun Tiew from Our Home, longtime member of PILC and RLC; Ten professional Golf Lessons donated by Sam Ritthaworn, Thai American PGA Pro at Palm Spring Country Golf; Antique Buddha Head donated by Ursula Rothstein of Ursula’s Antiques; Chinese Rice Basket also donated by Ursula Rothstein; Zumba Dance Classes donated by Steps & Rhythm Dance Studio.  The auctions raised in excess of 200,000 baht alone.  Newly arrived from the Philippines, the band from Henry J. Beans, with the help of DJ Matt Jacobs, managed to keep the guests on the dance floor for the remainder of the evening.  The atmosphere was buzzing as everyone danced till they dropped until the early hours of the morning.

PILC would like to thank all the sponsors, those who donated items for auction, members past and present for their individual contribution over the years, and everyone who attended.

If you would like more information about PILC, how to become a member, or how to be involved as a sponsor, please check the listings under “Pages” on this website.