Children are doing what children do best, having fun this year at the Jesters Care for Kids annual Children’s Fair at Regents, arguably the largest and most popular event for children in our district. Since its inception, Jesters Care for Kids through its supporters and sponsors has raised the staggering sum 78.6 million baht and in turn 100% of that net amount has been distributed to over 79 different beneficiaries to help disadvantaged children enjoy safe shelter, education, and special schooling for disabled.
Regents International School Pattaya on Highway 36 was the venue and Jesters Care for Kids annual Children’s Fair was the event, arguably the largest and most popular event for children in our district.
The Royal Cliff Beach Hotel was its first venue; the Amari Orchid Hotel and Siam Bayshore Hotel hosted in the following years, until the Diana Group offered their Diana Garden Resort and Driving Range for our venue. We were there for 11 years, until circumstances changed and Regents International School Pattaya generously stepped up, where we now have been for the last 3 years. Over that period many dignitaries and popular entertainers have appeared at this event and a host of individuals and businesses have donated cash and kind to ensure its continued success, all committed to ensuring that the least privileged children in our community receive a better chance in life.
Children are doing what children do best, having fun this year at the Jesters Care for Kids annual Children’s Fair at Regents, arguably the largest and most popular event for children in our district. Since its inception, Jesters Care for Kids through its supporters and sponsors has raised the staggering sum 78.6 million baht and in turn 100% of that net amount has been distributed to over 79 different beneficiaries to help disadvantaged children enjoy safe shelter, education, and special schooling for disabled.
As a special note, since the inception Jesters Care for Kids through its supporters and sponsors has raised the staggering sum 78.6 million baht and in turn 100% of that net amount has been distributed to over 79 different beneficiaries to help disadvantaged children enjoy safe shelter, education, and special schooling for disabled.
As in previous years, this year’s fair began with the King’s Anthem delivered by students from the Regents, followed by an opening address by Lewis [Woody] Underwood, chairman, and then on with show. Traditionally the children take the stage first so that they are free for the remainder of the day to enjoy all the games, rides, food, etc., that is on offer; after all it is the Children’s Fair.
Dr. Penguin performs his usual magical mayhem.
We were entertained with singing and dancing by children from the Fountain of Life Center, Hand to Hand Foundation, Baan Jing Jai Foundation, Camillian Social Center, Shelter Center Pattaya, and Khun Boonchu Centre for Down’s Syndrome and autistic children, most in traditional costume and all extremely energetic in their presentations. It really is a credit to the teachers and carers of these children to see how seriously the kids perform and the joy they express while on the stage.
With the smaller children off to enjoy the sights, it was time for the international schools to show their talents. Regents not only supply the venue, but also assist generously with the overall logistics and take part in the entertainment. Soloists Alina, Angie and Gaby all displayed talent with their separate performances, followed by two singing groups, who showed that they also have plenty of ability. Nehmet, Debbie, Anya, Chloe, Sophia, Zoe, Surotama and Camille can all look forward to passing grades from their music teacher. Groups from St Andrews and GIS schools followed and showed that there is healthy rivalry between these music departments as all are so talented.
Well-known local entertainer Lee Shamrock, who describes himself as a one-man band, was kind enough to donate his time and talent.
As the crowd was building and the stalls were all starting to get into operational mode, a look around showed what variety there is at this event. As it is primarily for children, there is lots for them to do. They can enjoy the games and activities organized by Linden and the gap students, who make sure everyone participates for prizes donated by YWCA Pattaya Branch. The children are well fed at the Fountain of Life Chow Hall and after nourishment can attempt an assault on the Pattaya Pickle climbing wall, or discharge calories on the bouncy castle.
There were also train rides, face painting, ball games, merry- go-round, fairy floss [cotton candy to the USA folk] and other activities. And everything was free! Other entertainment or food purchases made by the children were subsidized by Pattaya Sports Club via a coupon system – thanks Linden for looking after the kids and their coupons. Other attractions for the kids included the Cable Ride Asia adventure, trampolines, remote race cars, and many other carnival type games of skill and activities organized by local contractors
Praichit ‘Noi’ Jetapai (far right) treats the kids to jump ropes.
Of course, if you want parents to bring their kids to the fair, there has to be something for them to do. No problem, we had that covered too. Two White Elephant stalls sold all manner of used goods, clothing, kitchenware, CDs DVDs and all sorts of knickknacks. The ever popular “Know Knew” used bookstall was run by Judi Mac with hundreds of titles, including a large collection of CDs and DVDs.
Food stalls were also galore with many different cuisines available; Thai-style, French-style, Italian-style, English-style, American-style, such as curries, pizza, coffee, pastries, BBQ sausages, pickles, and preserves, as well as hot drinks, cold drinks, fruit shakes, confectioneries, and much more.
Of course for the older folks the very popular Jesters Beer Stall with all proceeds going to charity, manned by Jesters MC Club, attracted a great deal of fair goers trying to get out of the sun. Jesters were also selling shirts, caps, etc.
Members from the ‘Mad Dog’ MC Club were a big part of the Jester’s Fair.
Most local community groups, including Lions, Rotary, VFW, British Legion, Mercy Ministries, Women with a Mission, Take Care Kids Foundation, Pattaya Pirates, Ban Jing Jai, and Shelter Centre had stalls selling goods or promoting their projects. The press was present with Pattaya Mail, Inspire Group, Trumove Promotions and Buzzin Wire. Others were promoting their wares, as well as info on termite control, wealth management, and cosmetics. And for those who wanted to relax, they could seek refuge in the massage tent run by the ladies from the Fountain of Life Center 2, who administered foot massage and relaxing body massage all at very reasonable prices.
Then there was vice chair, Deb Philbrook, who spent the day at the Jesters C4K stall selling tickets to the Gala Party Night along with tickets for the grand raffle and soliciting bids for the auction items, all to happen at the Amari Ocean Pattaya on Saturday, September 19th. Tickets are 2400 baht with free beer, wine, buffet and entertainment.
Staff, kids and volunteers from the Hand2Hand Foundation.
If there was a prize for the oddest promotion it would have to go to the small stall manned by Barry Arnold from the Tara Pattana International School, who was promoting Australian Rules football and the Aus Kick Programme. Aussie Rules in this heat? Believe it or not several schools in Thailand actually participate.
Back on the stage the entertainment was continuous with electric bands, rock bands and break-dancing by boys with bodies made of elastic bands. These entertainers came from Regents, GIS, and St Andrews International Schools and there could well be some future rock stars among them.
Youngsters warm people’s hearts with their precious stage performance.
Doctor Penguin entertained the kids and adults alike with his magic and humor, followed by another performer, well-known local entertainer Lee Shamrock, who describes himself as a one-man band. Lee was kind enough to donate his time and talent. He performed many covers of old favorites and engaged members of the audience to assist, including children in parts of his act much to their enjoyment. He also cajoled another popular local, one Barry Upton on stage to perform a few old favorites.
Then the children from Fountain of Life were presented with bicycles. These children, 4 girls and 4 boys, ranging in age from 3 years to 14 years, all from needy families, are recommended by the Sisters from FOL for their attitude and performance during the past year. This year Pattaya Sports Club sponsored the purchase of the bikes and they were presented by PSC Charity Chairperson Noi Emmerson.
Hot looking Hooters’ girls received plenty of attention.
That being the cue for the rock concert to begin, two hours of nonstop music to bring the fair to a close at 6 p.m. This year featured bands The Core and Mary and the Blue Flames, both hugely popular around the local club scene. These are all professional musicians with years of experience who give freely of their time to assist our cause and we thank them for that.
As always there are people to thank who work extremely hard before, during, and after such an event. Firstly, to all of our sponsors and supporters that have remained loyal to the cause; to the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and their trained staff for supplying the ambulance for cases of emergency; to MAS Company for the stage and stall erection; to the Jesters Care for Kids Committee, who spend months planning, identifying and solving possible problems; and to the members of Jesters MC Thailand, who man the bar, sell the shirts, help with the setup, dismantle the facilities and clean up the venue in the end.
Kids making a fuss out of the dancing Santa.
Special mention to Bill Freeman and Kevin Mitch, who plan and oversee the erection of all facilities; to Richy Rhodes who selects and produces the entertainment programme; to Chief and his staff who supply the sound system; to CUEL and Mammoet, who installed the bridge over the athletics’ track; to the principal, faculty and students of the Regents International School Pattaya for their cooperation and understanding of our needs; and, of course, to Lewis [Woody] Underwood and Deborah Philbrook for everything.
International students join in on the fun at the fair.
That wraps up another year at the Children’s Fair. We hope everyone had a great time in the presence of our project children. They are special to us and we thank you for helping them.
Radchada Chomjinda (2nd right), director of the HHN Foundation, her team and the HHN mascot.
As always, the bouncy castle is a big hit with the little ones at the fair.
Lewis ‘Woody’ Underwood, chairman of Jester’s Care For Kids said it’s a great day to have fun with the kids.
Bernie Tuppin, Noi Emmerson and Richy Rhodes present bikes to the lucky kids.
“One dart, one teddy bear for me,” says the young man.
Little man enjoying the cable ride.
Face painting courtesy of the students from St. Andrews International School.
Little girl ready for take-off.
This is how you ‘dunk’.
Kids battle in the tug o’ war.
(L to R) Tony Malhotra, Alisa and Sue Kukarja offer drinks, massages, organic products and/or of course copies of the Pattaya Mail.
| Beer Donations – Total 56,000 baht |
|
Christer 1,000, Anders 1,000, Kaj 10,000, Patrik 10,000, Ross 2,000, Fredrik 1,000, Jari 500, Jamie 500, Jason 1,000, Terry 1,000, Nat 100, David 1,000, Ronny 900, Robin L 1,000, Thomas L 1,000, Johan P 1,000, Karl-Erland 1,000, Paul Ovens 1,000, Dale Drader 1,000, Matt Millar 1,000, James Millar 1,000, Doug Millar 1,000, Tha Millar 1,000, Ewe Khamhintang 1,000, Alex Bevis 1,000, Clive Pearce 1,000, Gator & Family 1,000, Homer Kemper 1,000, Robert Moses 1,000, Vital Ross 1,000, James Coby 1,000, Anthony E 1,000, Rod Carmichel 1,000, Noot Carmichel 1,000, and Neil S 5,000. |
