TFI (Thai Farang Initiative) has been set up by a few like minded people working in Pattaya to create fun and exciting events for charity.
The first event was an 80’s nite held on the August 31 at the Access Inn on Pattaya 3rd Rd. An attractive entry fee of only 400 baht included two and a half hours free flow beer, cider and wine, coupled with the music from the 80s played by Brooksy from 105fm.
Over 100 tickets were sold in advance and at least the same amount more turned up on the night with cash in hand, many of them getting into the spirit of things by dressing in the style of 30 years ago.
TFI organizing committee: Matt O’Sullivan, Joe Cox, Earl Brown, Paul Strachan and Nigel Quennell.
The whole vibe of the evening was one of fun and the TFI team had designed and created a special backdrop for the event in front of which was the classic game of Twister, which proved to be a popular idea and one that became increasingly challenging as the night wore on.
A short auction was held regarding the playing of the song “Agadoo” by Black Lace. One of the TFI team had pledged 1000 baht for the song NOT to be played; then someone added another 1000 on top to get it on the turntable. The race went on and soon over 26,000 baht was pledged … and the final bidder was in favor of the song being played and despite its cringe worthy lyrics and melody everybody was singing along to it, with some even remembering the accompanying dance moves.
Twister – a game for making new acquaintances.
The organizers felt it appropriate to continue the free flow for an additional hour, so the party continued to the sounds of Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Guns & Roses, Bad Manners, Blondie etc, with prize give-aways of 80s themed T shirts, Rubix Cubes and other parafinalia.
After expenses were deducted, over 150,000 baht was raised for charity on the night, an amount which will not only change the lives of two children born with facial deformities, via the help of Operation Smile, but also improve the living conditions of 40 local families as TFI pledged 20 clean water filtration systems, an offer that was generously matched by The Rotary Club of Eastern Seaboard.
Too young to know any better, these girls have all the moves for “Agadoo”.
A member of the TFI team also noticed an appeal in the Pattaya Mail regarding an orphanage in Mae Sot which urgently needed assistance. After a quick online meeting the team were unanimous in their decision to donate 10,000 baht, which will be used for buying essentials and this will be actioned by Margie Grainger from the Hand to Hand Foundation.
Funds will also be used to help local slums with the help of William Macey from the Pattaya Sports Club and an emergency fund has been set up to deal with cases that arise concerning children and families that need urgent assistance.
All of this was made possible with the help of a dedicated team made up of Matt O’Sullivan, Joe Cox, Earl Brown, Paul Strachan and Nigel Quennell, who have given up their free time to organize not only the events but also register a company with a corresponding bank account so that all invoices & receipts can be legitimized. With a commitment to transparency, all company accounts will be posted on the TFI facebook page and website.
The sponsors for the inaugural event were Trade Frames, The Booze Lounge, Real Estate Magazine, Go Rent Pattaya, CSP Construction, The Cube, Pattaya Property Auctions, CEA Projects, and in kind or trade sponsorship by Thai Business Help, Apple Cider Company, AKA Traders and the venue itself The Access Inn.
A party crowd of over 200 attended the first TFI event at the Access Inn.
Special thanks also to Brooksy from 105FM, Dave from the Sportsman for providing all the ice and ice boxes, Alan Richardson from Jigsaw2order.com for the donation of 80’s themed jigsaws, and also to Bella from the Access Inn for being the point of contact.
But most of all, thanks goes to the people who attended and got into the spirit of this amazing event.
TFI will return with different events at different locations in the near future, you can find them online at: www.facebook.com/funcharityevents and on their website: http:// tfi-events.com/
(Note: All photos provided courtesy of Chaianan @ CPM Photography & Design).
