The weather was great, the venue grand on Saturday 6th October for the PILC annual Holiday Bazaar.  The day started early (7am to 8.30am) at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, and it was abuzz with vendors delivering their wares to display and sell at their stalls.  This hive activity was intense, organised chaos, but approaching the magical hour of 10am (when the Bazaar opened officially) calm was restored.  Every table stood proud and twinkled and shined just waiting for the people to come and look at what they had to tempt us with.  The opening ceremony entailed speeches from the PILC Special Events Chairwoman and Bazaar organiser, Cindy Logue, our intrepid President, Rosanne Diamente, and the guest of honor, the wife of the Governor of Chonburi, Dr Tipawan Taerat.  After the ribbon cutting ceremony was so graciously performed by Dr Taerat, the doors to the Siam Ballroom opened with gusto to a festive holiday atmosphere.

The Bazaar set in the fabulous Siam Ballroom was a wonderful sight.  The Ballroom was decked out to the nines in Christmas shades of forest green and cherry red.  The vista looked and felt luxurious, and had a calming yet festive quality to it all.  As usual the agreeable Khun Panga and her staff, notably Khun Pomthip and Khun Joey assisted in numerable ways.  A small army of ‘helpers’ were on hand to assist the vendors with all their requirements too.  All this was done with precision and a minimum of fuss.

The anticipation was high as this year saw 70 plus vendors from across Thailand graciously taking part in the PILC Bazaar.  Needless to say, there was a mammoth selection of goodies to select purchases from: wine, cards, Christmas decorations, hand made paper, home-décor, baked goods, stationary, perfumes, jewellery, fashion accessories, candles, clothing, rugs, crafts, food vendors, gourmet food and beverages, a children’s playroom, superb model planes & boats and beaten stainless steel bowls etc. just to mention a few.  In addition, each and every one of the vendors’ bigheartedly donated gifts to the PILC to be used in future raffles to raise additional funds for the PILC Welfare projects.

Parents were able to shop ‘child free’ as the Children’s Room was busy, busy, busy entertaining all the smalls with games and a colouring competition with colouring books sponsored by Nancy Chandler.  There were clowns in attendance, provided by the generosity of Capt. and Mrs Steve Ponter of the Jesters.  Also a huge thank you is extended to Kim and her fantastic staff from Jameson’s Pub who supplied lunch for the 60 plus Baan Jing Jai Orphanage children and staff. Also many Thanks to Amber with the Party Shop and Mr Tuxedo and his magic show troop, they had the children spell bound, it was fantastic.  Thanks also to Marg and the ISE children who came and did beautiful face painting.

This was a seriously good opportunity to purchase high quality Christmas gifts, or just gifts in general.  I know I got a bit of Christmas shopping done!  How exciting!!  It’s only October and I have started to conquer the Yuletide shopping.  Many a power shopper was spotted in the early hours, snapping up lots of bits and pieces with fans of shopping bags in tow in both hands.  I know I thoroughly enjoyed my shopping experience; nice to know I was able to purchase some unique and special pieces, but also that in the process our numerous PILC charities will benefit. The more we spend, the more we make.  Now who could (surely not even our husbands!) complain about that?
 
Thank you, thank you to the generous souls that donated such wonderful and so many prizes to our enormous Raffle: there were in excess of 50 prizes on offer.  Amazing; these included a luxury holiday, dinner for two at several well loved restaurants, escapes to charming destinations, jewellery etc.  Your kind gifts are the backbone to our fundraising event and we humbly salute you all.  Merci beaucoup.  Khorp khun mak kha.  Dank schon.  Grazie mille.  Efharisto poli.  Tackar sa mycket.  Our deepest and sincere thanks.

The raffle prize winners are as follows:

All prizes must be claimed by Tuesday, November 6, 2007, or they will be used by PILC at a future date to raise more money for their charities.  To claim your prize, contact Cindy Logue 086-039-7811, or Rachel Hoag 081-782-6118.

Our immense gratitude and appreciation is also extended to our most magnanimous sponsors: Transpo International Ltd., Foster Wheeler & Volclay Siam.  Their continued support of PILC is much appreciated and most welcome.  Your generosity is astonishing.  Thank you all. 

The 2007 PILC Bazaar raised in excess of 400,000 Baht.  Well done everyone. …In total, 580 people passed through our doors to enjoy the shopping, eating, browsing and colourful displays. Finally, our especial thanks and appreciation are extended to Cindy Logue who worked tirelessly planning and executing this (her inaugural) Bazaar and to her dedicated committee members: Judy Clausen, Rachel Hoag, Janet Seale, Alvi Sinthuvanik, Ingrid Cunliffe, Rosanne Diamente, Elaine Poole, Kathleen Petras, Kavita Lamba, and a host of other PILC members.  Cindy, it was great and an immense amount of work.  And you did all this whilst still remaining sane; a grand effort and wonderful success!!  Bravo ladies!
 

2007 PILC Holiday Bazaar is a Fantastic Success By Rachel Hoag

On Saturday, October 6, the Pattaya International Ladies Club held its annual Holiday Bazaar and what a phenomenal success it was! From early morning ‘til late afternoon, families and friends came together to shop, relax, and enjoy refreshments all in the name of charity.The locale, Royal Cliff Beach Resort, was incredibly suited to host this event as they have done for several years running. It is always a pleasure to work with Kuhn Panga and her staff, especially Kuhn Pornthip and Kuhn Joey. They were there every step of the way, from the organizational meetings, to the smooth execution of the day’s events. They are true ambassadors to “The Land of Smiles.”At the opening ceremony, we heard speeches from the PILC Special Events Chairwoman and Bazaar organizer, Cindy Logue, the PILC President, Rosanne Diamente, and the VIP guest of honor, Wife of the Governor of Chonburi, Dr. TipawanTaerat. After the ribbon cutting ceremony was so graciously performed by Dr. Taerat, the doors to the Siam Ballroom opened with gusto to a festive holiday atmosphere.

In all, 578 people enjoyed a day of shopping amid the colorful stalls. Over 65 vendors brought their wares, and many thanks go to them for making available such a remarkable variety of fine quality indigenous and imported goods. Among the items available were clothing, handbags, jewelry, home-décor, baked goods, stationary, perfumes, and of course, holiday decorations. All generous 66 vendors also donated gifts to the PILC to be used in future raffles to raise additional funds for the PILC Welfare projects.

The magnanimous sponsors this year were Transpo International Ltd., Volclay Siam, and Foster Wheeler. Their generosity is astounding and to them we offer our deepest gratitude in making this event a charitable accomplishment.

The combined efforts of Special Events Chairperson Cindy Logue, joined by her hardworking committee members, including Judy Clausen, Rachel Hoag, Janet Seale, Alvi Sinthuvanik, Ingrid Cunliffe, Rosanne Diamente, Elaine Poole, Kathleen Petras, Kavita Lamba, and a host of other PILC members (especially the craft ladies) and volunteers were rewarded by raising over 400,000 Thai baht, all benefiting PILC local charities. The Welfare Projects adopted by PILC that benefited from the funds raised last year are as follows: Street Kids’ Home, Scholarships (Several Local Schools), Fountain Of Life, Garunawayet Home For Disabled Ladies, Baan Jing Jai, Our Home, Huay Pong Protection Centre, Koh Pai, Ban Chang School Projects, Emergency Shelter In Chonburi, Kao Bai Sci School, Nikom 9 School, Tamar Centre, and Ban Mu Eire.

Mom’s were free to shop without worrying about their kids, as the Children’s Room saw loads of youngsters, joining in games and a coloring competition with coloring books sponsored by Nancy Chandler, and to enjoy the antics of special clowns, provided by the generosity of Capt. and Mrs. Steve Ponter of the Jesters. Also a huge Thank You goes to Kim and her wonderful staff from Jameson’s Pub who supplied lunch for the 60 odd Baan Jing Jai Orphanage children and staff. Also many Thanks to Amber with the Party Shop and Mr. Tuxedo and his magic show troop, they had the children spell bound, it was fantastic. Thanks to Marg and the ISE kids who came and did beautiful face painting.

Now, the PILC membership are preparing for its second major fundraiser of the year, the 20th Anniversary Masquerade Charity Ball to be held on Saturday, November 17 at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Siam Ballroom. Tickets are still available, which includes a welcome cocktail, a 4 course meal with wine, and dancing and entertainment until 2 a.m. If interested in attending, contact Cindy Logue.

On June 19, Pan Pan Restaurant opened there doors to 63 PILC members.  Once more, Pan Pan put on a wonderful variety of Italian refreshments with assorted appetizers and cakes.  PILC merchandise was on display and available for purchase, as well as the book stall with plenty of good reads.

The PILC would like to warmly welcome 4 new members to the club;

Christie Cummins
Fran Laurent
Kazuko Hattari
Jayanthi Iyengar

We would also like to say Good Bye to;

Gail Ritchie
 
We wish her good luck on any new ventures.

Announcements were presented by the President, Rosanne Diamente.  The ladies were reminded that the craft team ‘needs your help’ in preparation for the up coming Bazaar.  The craft group meets at the North Star Library on Monday afternoons from 1pm till 4pm.  The craft Ladies would love to see you there.

Rosanne Diament

A warm and balmy night on June 16, saw an enthusiastic and boisterous, nay, competitive throng of 95 PILC members, partners and family descend upon the Foundation of Life Centre bursting and bridling with anticipation to “beat the world”, well, just all the other tables really, for the annual Quiz Night; alias, I know more than you do!

Fountain of Life had been polished and decorated to within an inch of its life; tables were strewn about the room (thank you to the local wat) and beautifully set, there were balloons galore (thank you Party Shop and Amber) pretty posies of flowers adorned the tables and room (thank you Sr Joan and Cindy).  There was a table drinks service, which given the warmth of the evening, was very much appreciated, and 1/3 of the takings from this were donated to the Fountain of Life.  We supped on a marvellous array of scrumptious food, provided for us most graciously by Michael, from the fantastic New Orleans Restaurant; not an easy task to prepare food elsewhere for such a large throng and then transport it to the Fountain of Life, hot and ready to go -  Fabulous effort.  Then having been contentedly fed and watered, it was time for the real business of the evening to begin……. The Quiz.

What a great night it was!  SO much noise that our more than able and proficient MC for the evening, Gillian, had to put on a schoolmarm voice and scold to get us all under control.  There were moments when Gillian thought she might have to call in the local riot police (are there any in Pattaya?) when overly passionate and or could we say obsessive (?) participants did not concur with the MC’s answer sheet.  Well, okay, I admit I was more than a little perplexed with the Blue Flyer answer, as were all the other Australians I might add.  Never heard of it!!! The questions were tough, they were gruelling, they were curly, but most of all they were entertaining. Our table thought it was just as much fun trying to work out an answer, hoping it might be the correct one, as it was in knowing the answers.

During the evening the Yamaha Motor bike raffle was drawn.  The winning ticket was one that George McDonald had sold at his workplace to a colleague, Punnapha Manbumphen from Rayong.  The raffle raised 62,160 Baht, a truly enormous effort, and our many thanks Roseanne for ‘cracking that whip’ so well on ticket sales.

The Quiz Night itself raised 74,000 Baht on the evening.  A great success in any one’s estimation.  The winning table was formed from the Regents school teachers (unfair advantage I say!!!, ha ha), at Table #7 “Good for Nothings”.  Hmmmm, I think not!  Obviously their superior general knowledge skills payed off for them.  Second was table #8 “AM-U-KA (comprising, as the name eludes too American, British and Australian players).  Third was table #9 “Lucky 9ers” and Fourth, table #3 “Pink Ladies”.  A big round of applause for your adept answers and your expertise in so many varied and staggering fields.  Bravo!!!!!!

It is so wonderful to enjoy a PILC function and a night out with the men there too.  And many a man was heard to enthuse about what a great time they were having and there should be more opportunities like this evening.  A very big thank you to Paul Wilkinson, the General Manager of AGS Four Winds International Movers for the generous sponsorship they give this event every year.  Not only that, but Paul also books a table, ‘Team 6 winds’ and participates himself.  Our sincere thanks once again, Paul.  A gigantic thank you to Cindy and the Welfare Team for all their work!  Many thanks to Gillian for doing such an admirable job MC-ing; you are a brave woman!  A big thank you to Sr Joan and her staff, in fact, a HUGE thank you to all involved in this fantastic evening.  Thanks also to Michael from Café New Orleans for donating 30% of the bar takings for the evening.  Can’t wait until the next quiz night, and I know I’m not the only one.

Faye Vawdrey

This sunny day saw 58 of the PILC members enjoying the very best of everything the Ocean Marina Restaurant had to offer.  Not having been at this location before, I was interested to see this much talked about venue; and I was not disappointed!  A magnificent, cool and lofty foyer greets you and then through to the restaurant room on the beachside of the building.  The first thing that strikes you is the restaurant’s extraordinary wall of glass spanning the front wall.  Kavita was collecting fees and Jacinta and Paula were enrolling new members.  Two new members registered on the day and so we say a warm welcome to Sheila McCarthy and Mavis Norman.

As usual, the cacophony of sound was impressive as a multitude of conversations ran concurrently.  And in synchronisation to this, we all buzzed around talking to this person or that, raffle tickets for that day were sold and tickets for the Motorbike raffle, monies collected for the Quiz night (Foundation of Life), AND we managed to find seats.  We ladies are so good at multi-tasking!  Finally, at 11:30 we all settled at our seats as our madam President addressed the unruly throng; this took several attempts (as usual) but finally Roseanne won our attention.

Announcements regarding several aspects of our activities were made:-
• Our thanks were extended to Khun Sotalak and all her staff for looking after us so well.  Our guest speaker, Mrs Kasemsook, was unable to come due to illness and thus Alvi had very graciously volunteered to talk to us about Thai culture.
• 3 ladies are leaving Pattaya; Ellen Jackson, Erin Castle and Amelia Palas-Cuniah.  They will all be sorely missed and we wish them well in their future endeavours.
• A plea for more hands at the craft group for their endeavours to build up a huge stock-pile of goodies for the upcoming Bazaar.  Monday afternoons at North Star Library.
• More recipes for the cookery book Kavita and Judy are compiling for sale at the Bazaar.  Come on ladies ‘give’ generously… it doesn’t cost you a thing, and we could all do with a bit of divine inspiration at times!!
• A reminder for volunteers for Mari’s Therapeutic riding program.  Training sessions commencing June, 8.
• Planning in full flight for upcoming Bazaar and Ball.  If anyone has contacts or knows of Companies who would be interested in becoming sponsors, please contact Cindy.
• The raffle for today raised 7,000Bht.
• Reminder about Nonie’s tours/travel events.
• A golf team is required for the upcoming “Pattaya Mail” Mike Franklin Golf Tournament, Friday June, 29.

We then all enjoyed the extensive buffet; whilst lining up for food we soaked up the glorious, uninterrupted vista of the bay with all those sea-craft bobbing around in the crystal sea … that’s hard to surpass.  Raffle ticket winners were drawn, 7 in total.

Khun Alvi, very ably and elegantly assisted by one of the Ocean Marina staff, demonstrated the various ways of the ‘wai’.  Alvi explained the significance of the wai, and the correct time to use what ‘wai’ when!  This was very enjoyable and imparted useful knowledge to us all.

During the proceedings, Annette’s son Liam was in great demand; the staff were almost jostling (males and females!) to be on baby-sitting duties.  It was quite funny to see who won out for ‘holding the baby’ rights.  A group photo was taken and this took a remarkable amount of effort to muster one and all into their places, but was well worth it as the photo shows.

As usual, new acquaintances were made; catch ups with old friends eventuated and future plans were plotted with friends.  In other words a great time was had by all and we gradually drifted off to other places.  See you at the next group get together.

Faye Vawdrey

Third of July was the luncheon for the PILC and it was held at the magnificent Fairtex Ballroom, on Pattaya Nua.  As is the custom, Kavita was collecting fees and Janis was enrolling new memberships; four in all; Denise Hollibone (Australian), Pichada Rajavechpisal (Thai), Malini Varma (Indian), Jannelie Simoons-Hageman (Dutch) - a very sincere and warm welcome to you all.  We hope we can make your adjustment to life in a new home an easier one.

This was a smaller than usual get together, as many of the ladies have travelled back to their homelands with enfant in tow due to school holidays.  That, however, never stops this intrepid group of women from enjoying themselves.  After all, any excuse is a good excuse to have a chat.  We were most fortunate to have a vendor here today, Khun Preeda, who was selling truly beautiful silver jewellery, nick knacks and magnificent porcelain platters, bowls, wine pots etc.  More than a few eager purchases were snapped up by appreciative women!  Thank you Khun Preeda for visiting us.

Roseanne bravely came out for the luncheon, as she is suffering from Dengue Fever at present and valiantly addressed us re matters of interest:-
• Clothes for women in prison and children’s clothing, babies bottles and formula etc.
• Day trip to Bangkok this Thursday July 5, for a “shop till you drop” therapy session
• Nonie organising a trip to Philippines, Manila
• Fairtex offer of a free Hot Yoga session to each lady present today
• Todays raffle raised over 7,000Bht and this will go towards Ban Jing Jai
• Fairtex donated 3 prizes for our raffle and our many thanks got to them for this generous gesture
• A big thankyou to Zena and staff at Fairtex for providing us with such a wonderful lunch and looking after us so well today

We then adjourned downstairs to witness a stunning display of Muay Thai; some of which were our very own PILC members, Chizuko, Stephanie, Virginia and Zena, also from Fairtex was Joah and Groinia.  They demonstrated the match rituals to make your presence known in the ring, along with a ‘dance’ that is performed which is representative of the establishment you train at.  The girls demonstrated with the assistance of their trainers some of the moves; knee kicks, arm and elbow hits, boxing moves etc.  Very fit ladies I might add and lets just say you wouldn’t want to cross them late at night in the street! Bravo Mesdames!!!

This was followed by a frighteningly swift and forceful demonstration by world champion class male Muay Thai fighters.  OUCH! You could literally hear the air whooshing as their legs and arms fled through the air and the tremendous thud as they made contact with their (thankfully) well padded trainers.

We then all returned to the ballroom and enjoyed an amazingly diverse and delicious lunch, and as always, so much laughter and chatter accompanied this ritual.  The raffle winners were drawn, and guess who one of the winners was again?  Yes, Gillian!  Well done.  Long after we had satisfied our appetites we ladies lingered to chat about lots more projects, interests, social happenings, PILC business and then slowly headed off to other things.  I left at 2pm and there were still a handful of guests chatting.  As usual, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the company at hand and that was not hard to do at such a beautiful venue with such great people.

Faye Vawdrey

Quiz Night Saturday 16th June 2007

Time to put your thinking caps on!

Saturday, 16 June 2007 at the Fountain of Life Centre, starts at 7.00pm.

Baht 800 per person – Includes delicious buffet food from Café New Orleans (there will be a paying bar available).

Teams of six people needed – put together your own team or register individually and we will do it for you!
Registration by Tuesday 12 June, please.

PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES! For winners and losers!

PLUS:  Grand Draw for the PILC Raffle of a 2007 Yamaha (AT 115) Automatic Motorbike.

Contact Gillian Thom to sign up on 0817626003 or gillianthom@csloxinfo.com

Sponsored by:

All proceeds to the Fountain of Life Centre
         

Monster Garage Sale

Pattaya International Ladies Club together with Rayong Ladies are again hosting another monster garage sale for this year!

Where: Phuluang, (Our Home run by Khun Tiew), 133, Moo 4, Tambon Makhamkoo, Ging Amphur Nikhompatama. , Green Valley. (Near St Andrews International School)

When: Saturday June 2nd. 9am till 3pm.

Please come along for a browse and grab your self a bargain. The proceeds will be going towards Khun Tiews “Our Home” and other PILC charities.

If you have goods, including electrical, clothing or any other household goods that you would like to donate for the sale, please phone either Ingrid… 0870631807, Mari… 0817627412 or Meryl ..0870498205

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.

________________________________________

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