Hollywood meets Bollywood at PILC Annual Gala Ball

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The Pattaya International Ladies Club held their annual Gala Ball at the Amari Orchid Ballroom in Pattaya on Saturday November 20.  The event is the organisation’s biggest fundraiser of the year and was attended by 145 members and guests.

This year’s theme was Hollywood meets Bollywood, and all the ladies were looking absolutely fabulous in saris and glitzy ball gowns, as were the men in their dinner suits and Indian attire.  The venue was decorated to suit the occasion and we thank Max Sieracki and all his staff for a brilliant effort in following the theme.

Marilyn Monroe strikes a pose with two exotic maharanis.Marilyn Monroe strikes a pose with two exotic maharanis.

The first order of the evening was champagne cocktails and San Miguel Light in the reception area of the ballroom.  The guests were asked to view the many items on display in the silent auction and to make bids on these.

At 7.30 p.m. the cutting of the ribbon ceremony was performed by PILC President Anja Schoof, Pim Seaton of the Seaton Foundation, Hugh Parker of Amcol, Bruce Hoppe representing Emerson and Clive Welland representing Foster Wheeler, after which all the guests entered the ballroom and took their seats at the magnificently decorated tables.

Dinner, which was a splendid 5 course meal prepared by the Amari Hotel chefs, followed as soon as everyone was seated.  During the meal the MC for the evening, Chris Parsons, chairman of the Pattaya Players, dressed resplendently in a very colourful sari, opened the proceedings with announcements of the silent auction and the main auction which would follow later in the evening.

All who attended had a most enjoyable evening, taking advantage of the free-flowing wine and beer, the superb entertainment supplied by a live band, Band of Smiles, and a great DJ from Malaysia, Domingo Nieto, and consequently, a lot of dancing ensued.

As mentioned before, this annual event is the PILC’s biggest fundraiser and a whopping 110,000 baht was raised from the auction, with items kindly donated by Pattaya’s business community.

PILC wishes to wholeheartedly thank SCG Dow Group, Amcol, Dana, Bechtel, the Seaton Foundation, Solvay Peroxythai, Foster Wheeler, Asian Tigers Transpo, Amata, Air Asia, San Miquel, Emerson, Holiday Inn Pattaya, Indigo Opals, Gulf Charters, Asian ATR, Pattaya Mail, Central, 88.5FM, StreetLife, Mata Hari, Indian by Nature, Narai Art, The Landmark Hotel, Thai Decor, Paul’s Antiques, Oasis Spa, Avarin Spa, Casa Pascal, and Poseidon for their very generous sponsorship and donations of auction items and funds.  It would be impossible for PILC to continue with the support given to several welfare projects in the region without your help. We thank you again.

Eva Johnson and Opal, left, with friends at the PILC Ball.Eva Johnson and Opal, left, with friends at the PILC Ball.

Jack & Av from Indian by Nature restaurant pose with PMTV’s Sue K, left.Jack & Av from Indian by Nature restaurant pose with PMTV’s Sue K, left.

Band of Smiles get the house rocking.Band of Smiles get the house rocking.

It wouldn’t be Hollywood (or Bollywood) without a hefty dose of glamour.It wouldn’t be Hollywood (or Bollywood) without a hefty dose of glamour.

Anja Schoof (President PILC), left, and Bea Grunwell (PILC Special Events co-ordinator) welcome the guests.Anja Schoof (President PILC), left, and Bea Grunwell (PILC Special Events co-ordinator) welcome the guests.

Jennifer Hoppe, left, talks with Sue K. about her Kate Hudson inspired red carpet dress.Jennifer Hoppe, left, talks with Sue K. about her Kate Hudson inspired red carpet dress.

Party goers show off their costumes on the dance floor.Party goers show off their costumes on the dance floor.

A lady guest checks out the fabulous auction items.A lady guest checks out the fabulous auction items.