Spearheaded by Mrs Genevieve Peggy Jeffs and the Organising Committee, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) 75th Anniversary Benefit Gala 2024 rallied philanthropists, community leaders, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs to raise over $1.2 million for SRC's local humanitarian services. Held at Shangri-La Singapore's Island Ballroom on 2 November 2024, the event was graced by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, and Patron of the Singapore Red Cross. The event was a celebration of compassion, altruism, and community spirit.
Gratitude for Contributions
Mrs Genevieve Peggy Jeffs opened the Benefit Gala with appreciation to President Tharman for gracing the event as the Guest-of-Honour and for contributing his Chinese calligraphy artwork. She also expressed gratitude to the donors, sponsors, performers and the Committee Members for their contributions.
Charting the Course for the Future
SRC Chairman Mr Tan Kai Hoe then took the stage to recognise stakeholders for their contributions, and highlighted SRC's objectives to amplify the scale and scope of SRC's humanitarian services to broaden its impact, particularly for seniors, at-risk youth, and migrant workers, by leveraging innovation and community engagement. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mrs Jeffs, whose labour of love for fundraising for the SRC over the past 16 years helped to solidify SRC's standing in the community.
An Exciting Line-up at the Gala
SRC's 75th Anniversary Benefit Gala 2024 featured a vibrant tapestry of experiences, interwoven by entertaining hosts, exclusive auction items, and a medley of song, dance, and drama performances presented by celebrated local artistes. It culminated in an exciting Raffle Draw with coveted prizes.
Ten items were auctioned at the Benefit Gala 2024. One of the auction items was a calligraphy artwork by President Tharman to commemorate SRC's 75th anniversary. '同心协力，与时并进' encapsulates the spirit of working together with one heart, to forge ahead with the times. President Tharman's Chinese calligraphy was the highlight of the auction as the message resonated deeply with and was aligned with SRC's vision of mobilising people and organisations, in aid of the vulnerable. The Chinese calligraphy artwork by President Tharman raised $308,888 for SRC's local humanitarian services. President Tharman, patron of the SRC, presented his artwork to the winning bidder, Mr Fang Angzhen, founder of Angen Fund Management.
The other auction items included masterpieces by Anthony Chua, Hong Sek Chern, Bruno Gallery, and Planet Earth. There were also Business Class Return Tickets within Gulf Air Network by Gulf Air, a one-of-a-kind necklace by Yuli, and Suntory Yamazaki 18 Mizunara 100th Edition.
Dancers from Flamenco Sin Fronteras regaled the audience with their zestful, vibrant, dexterous and well-choreographed dance moves in Asturias - a Spanish classic dance with castanets; followed by Cantifias, a joyful flamenco number. It ended with Volare the famous gypsy king pop song with a Flamenco twist.
Noor Quek, Stephen Francis, Rob Collins, Gunong Sayang, and Hossan Leong enthralled the audience with their powerful vocals and heartfelt renditions. Yue (乐) Ensemble took to the stage with their captivating performances. Hossan Leong was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
The Raffle Draw prizes included luxury jewellery, art pieces, collector’s items, luxury hotel stays at Shangri La and Novotel Mercure @ Stevens, air tickets to Bahrain, shopping vouchers, and the coveted Labubu Dolls.
Behind the scenes, SRC’s volunteers and employees worked tirelessly to ensure the evening’s success.
With 75 years of dedication behind them, the Singapore Red Cross stands poised to build a future where compassion, resilience, and unity remain cornerstones of their work. The evening was a testament to the power of collective action and the spirit of humanity.
Photos by Billy Wong, and James Tan, volunteer photographers