Sailors' Society Holds First Fundraising Gala Dinner

$37,000 raised towards global maritime charity’s work supporting seafarers in need.

Sailors’ Society Ambassadors - Manila Chapter has raised US$37,000 to aid seafarers in need at its first ever Gala Dinner.

Held at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City, Manila on 26 September, the event was organized by Sailors’ Society’s volunteer Ambassadors to fundraise and build awareness of the international maritime welfare charity’s work.

The night was a resounding success, with headline sponsorship from Wallem Group, SMART Communications, Seaspan and Marlow Navigation, and the 360 guests enjoying a champagne reception and four-course dinner.

Sailors’ Society Ambassador and Executive Vice President of Pandiman Philippines Inc., Fiona Clemo Malca, said: “The evening represents the first social footprint of Sailors’ Society Ambassadors - Manila Chapter in the Philippines and was clearly a huge success. It brought together the maritime community, unified in our desire to improve the lives of seafarers through support for the work of Sailors' Society.”

Sailors’ Society’s chief executive Stuart Rivers gave a well-received introduction applauding Filipino mariners and highlighting the charity’s work in the Philippines. In addition to the Sailors’ Society port chaplains and family outreach worker providing daily support to seafaring communities and seafarers visiting the country’s ports, the charity has undertaken a rebuilding program in partnership with Habitat for Humanity in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.

Mr Rivers said: “We had incredible industry support for Sailors’ Society’s Emergency Typhoon Haiyan appeal which has enabled us to help rebuild communities devastated by the disaster, including rebuilding homes, community centers and school buildings; and the provision of welfare and enterprise grants. With almost one third of the world’s seafarers being Filipino we are keen to continue our focus in the region. Events such as these and the great efforts of our Ambassadors help to make all of this possible.”

There were other inspiring speeches by dignitaries from the maritime community including Dr. Max Mejia, MARINA Administrator; Atty. Hans Cacdac, POEA Administrator; Dr. Conrad Oca, AMOSUP President; and Tom Leander of Informa.

Guests then danced the night away to renowned local band, Soul Republik, and enjoyed a lively auction which included a Princess Cruise star prize.