President Gudmund Eiksund introduces and thanks his charming wife Linda for
hosting an outstanding event.
Peter Kühlwein
Louis Fassbind, also known as ‘Mr. Pattaya’ was
remembered on the 13th anniversary of his passing at a
fund raising dinner held at Linda’s Restaurant on August 13, which was
attended by almost 100 guests from various segments of the Pattaya
community.
The annual charity function was organized by Gudmund
Eiksund, president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya of which Louis was
a founding member.
Peter Malhotra spoke of Louis saying, “Louis passed away
13 years ago on the 3rd of August 1998, but his legacy is still with us. His
mission and vision continues to influence the everyday lives of all who live
and work in the industry all over Thailand in one way or another.
Father Dr. Michael Picharn and
Reverend Jörg Dunsbach bless
the evening’s undertaking.
“Originally from Switzerland, he was well versed in all
aspects of hotel management by the time he came to Thailand in 1966, to work
in the Oriental Hotel. By 1970 he had come to Pattaya to oversee the
construction and opening of the Pattaya Palace. Three years later he joined
the Royal Cliff Beach Resort as General Manager, finishing as the Executive
Vice President.
“Louis Fassbind was a charitable man. 25 years a
Rotarian, and a founding member of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, he
was a driving force behind many of the Rotary projects to help the people of
Thailand. For those who knew him personally ‘Charity’ was his middle name.
In 1985 he founded and funded the Fassbind Medical Home in the Banglamung
Home for the Aged.
“After Louis died, several concerned and prominent
Pattaya citizens met to discuss the ways to ensure that the good work and
memory of the late friend Louis Fassbind would not be lost. Friends joined
forces to revive and rekindle Louis’ spirit of charity, so the Fassbind
Memorial Fund was formed under the stewardship of the Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya.”
The kids were superb in their
rendition of the Swiss dance.
The A.X. Fassbind Memorial Fund continues to support and
maintain the Fassbind Medical Home, located at the Banglamung Home for the
Aged and to support students undertaking education and training in the
tourism and hospitality business by providing scholarships.
To raise funds a raffle was held where more than 70
prizes donated by kindhearted businesses and private individuals were given
out. A silent auction of valuable items was also held. They too were donated
by generous sponsors.
In attendance were Father Dr. Michael Picharn and
Reverend J๖rg Dunsbach, of the German Marien Parish in Bangkok who both gave
their blessings to the charitable undertaking.
Swiss Niki Geisbuehler entertained the guests throughout
the evening in his inimitable style, keeping the party lively and happy
while Heinz Minten walked around the tables showing off his magic tricks.
Heinz Minten amuses the diners
with his magic tricks.
Two lovely children from the Child Development and
Protection Centre (CDPC) thrilled the audience with their rendition of a
traditional Swiss dance.
Another highlight was the Puppet Socks Swiss Dance
performed by Elfi Seitz, Marliese Fritz and Frederika Schmid. This show had
the crowd stomping their feet and in fits of laughter.
‘Mango Rains’ a book written by Dan Dorothy, executive
Editor of the Pattaya Mail, was put up for auction which had many hands
going up in a bid to outbid each other. The winning bid was however made by
Lewis ‘Woody’ Underwood, president of the Jesters Care 4 Kids who paid a
handsome amount for the bestseller.
The party was exactly how Louis would have wanted it,
colourful, happy and full of life.
And that is what Rotarians intend to do…bring liveliness
and happiness to the old folks at the Banglamung Home for the Aged.
Frederika Schmid, Elfi Seitz,
and Marliese Fritz were very funny in
the Puppet Socks show.
Archie Dunlop picks up his
door prize from Marlies Fritz (right), the artist.
Premprecha Dibbayawan (left)
receives his door prize from Martin Brands witnessed by Chitra Chandrasiri
(top left) and Peter Malhotra.
Dennis Stark presents a major
prize to Yves Echement (right), president of the Rotary Club Pattaya Marina.
Monika Podleska presents a
pretty picture to Dennis Stark.
Woody outbids everyone to pick
up ‘Mango Rains’ a bestseller by Daniel Dorothy.
