The Oil Barons Charity Ball, which took place on the 18 November under the start at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, has raised a staggering AED 997,000 for its sole beneficiary the Friends of Cancer Patients society (FOCP). The fundraising result, more than double the amount raised last year, is the single highest contribution from the Ball to the charity since it began supporting FOCP in 2008.
Event organiser dmg :: events says it is overwhelmed by the generosity shown by event patrons and sponsors in support of this year’s Charity Ball, an effort which reflects the community spirit of the region’s oil & gas industry. While the 2011 fundraiser result fell less than AED 3,000 short of its ambitious AED 1 million target, dmg :: events is hopeful additional donations will allow it to present its first cheque for a seven figure amount to FOCP.
Recognised as one of Dubai’s most important society events with a purpose, more than 1,650 guests, including VIPs and dignitaries, turned out to show their support for the annual fundraiser. Among the guests of honour was honorary patron of Friends of Cancer Patients, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, and Honorary President of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association.
dmg :: events started the charity ball rolling when President of the Middle East and India Mr. Geoff Dickinson presented a cheque for AED 250,000, raised from part proceeds of Oil Barons Charity Ball ticket sales. This was followed by a moving address by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan, in which he thanked guests and the people of the UAE for their generosity in assisting those less fortunate than themselves, particularly those affected by cancer. In a remarkable gesture of generosity H.E. then pledged to match dmg :: events’ contribution personally.
One of the highlights of the evening was the crowning of the Oil Baron 2011 with the top honour going to Mr. Alistair Davidson, Co-Founder and Managing Director of well engineering management consultancy, SPD. Davidson was recognised as much for his business achievements as for his contributions to the wider community. In a heartfelt acceptance speech he promised to continue supporting the work of FOCP during his 12-month tenure as Oil Baron, a role which he is “both proud and humbled to undertake.”
