The Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya has a long and illustrious history of organizing charity events, from the very popular Christmas tree light-ups, to the various concerts in every imaginable genre of music ranging from rock to the classics.
As is customary during the season of giving, the Hard Rock held their latest Charity Fundraiser event on December 8, which saw luminaries from all walks of life fill the Hall of Fame to enjoy a first class dinner interspersed with auctions of valuable items, climaxing with an action packed concert performed by the vivacious Gam Wichayanee.
Jorge Carlos Smith, Pol. Maj. Gen. Katcha Thartsart, General Kanit, Khunying Busyarat Permsub and Pol. Lt. Col. Kreetha Tonkanarat, Children & Women Protection Center Superintendent, during the presentation ceremony of the Isuzu pick-up truck for use by officers of the Children, Youths and Women Protection Center and Anti-Human Trafficking Center, Region 2.
Prior to the festivities, General Kanit Permsub, Deputy Aide de Camp, General to His Majesty the King together with Khunying Busyarat Permsub and Jorge Carlos Smith, G.M. Hard Rock Pattaya, presented a 4 door Isuzu pick-up truck equipped with rescue and emergency systems to Pol. Maj. Gen. Katcha Thartsart, Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police Division.
The vehicle, bought from funds raised during last year’s fundraiser and supplemented by this year’s donations, will be utilized by officers of the Children, Youths and Women Protection Center and Anti-Human Trafficking Center, Region 2.
Members of the organising committee line up to receive a donation of 300,000 baht from the most benevolent Egli family who have consistently donated to the fund raiser for many years.
In his opening address Kanit thanked sponsors and guests for their generosity. He said that part of the funds raised will be donated to various humanitarian projects under the patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Two of those projects include a hospital for the care of monks and novices and to schools under the care of the Royal Thai Border Police.
Jorge Carlos Smith added, “The fundraiser also supports the Melissa Cosgrove Children Foundation, a foundation that helps and gives happiness to AIDS infected children, abandoned children, homeless children, children who are victims of human trafficking and orphans including sponsoring education.
Jorge Carlos Smith G.M. Hard Rock Pattaya, ever ready to support charity events for the good of humanity.
“Hard Rock has projects to improve the quality of lives and to improve the canteen, children’s playground, restrooms, and important activities areas within Ban Huay Yai School (Chonburi) for children to have an efficient, good and safer lifestyle.”
In his address, Pratheep ‘Peter’ Malhotra, MD of the Pattaya Mail Media Group, partners of the fund raising, quoted excerpts from Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka’s speech, “We hear the word peace every day. We hear it in the news, we use it in conversation, and we talk about it a great deal in our daily lives. But most of us spend very little time thinking about what peace is, and what that word means.
Peter Malhotra, MD of Pattaya Mail spoke of ‘Peace through service’.
“On its simplest level, peace can be defined by what it is not. It is a state of no war, no violence, and no fear. It means that you are not in danger of hunger or persecution or the suffering of poverty.
“We must help to meet the basic needs of others: to provide health care, sanitation, food, and education when and where it is most needed.
General Kanit Permsub, Deputy Aide de camp, General to His Majesty the King delivers his keynote speech.
“Putting service above self allows us to focus our energies on what is truly important. We put the common good above our own. We prioritize others’ needs over our own desires. We think less about ourselves and more about what is best for everyone. And in this way, we help to build the foundation for a more peaceful world.”
During the course of the evening an auction was conducted by the dynamic duo of Tony Malhotra and Rungratree Thongsai, who in their inimitable styles motivated guests to outbid each other for the numerous items donated by sponsors.
With formalities and fund raising out of the way, Gam Wichayanee “The Star” took to the stage and stirred up a frenzy amongst the audience as she went through her repertoire of Thai and English hits.
To top off the evening of charity and entertainment Pasina Wachirananthakul, owner of Pornchai Electric, bid 35,000 baht for a guitar autographed by Gam.
The ‘dynamic auctioneers’ Tony Malhotra and Rungratree Thongsai raised over 500,000 baht.
Gam is mesmerized as guest star Pol. Maj. Gen. Katcha Thartsart, Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police Division croons love songs.
‘Sister Act’ Gam and Nong Ked captivated the audience with their powerful voices.
Panisa Wachirananthakul is thrilled as she receives the signed guitar from Gam. Panisa bid 35,000 baht for the musical instrument.
Members of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya gave valuable support to the charity affair.
