A GALA dinner and fashion show was held to raise funds for the Singapore Indian Development Association (Sinda), as well as needy families in the Henderson-Dawson constituency.
Senior Minister of State for Law and Finance Indranee Rajah was the guest of honour for the April 15 event organised by Henderson-Dawson CCC Welfare Fund Committee and Indian Business leaders’ Roundtable.
The evening of glitz and glamour, with the theme of Bollywood Cutting Edge IV, held at Sheraton Towers was chaired by Ms Maniza Jumabhoy and Ms Joy Tan.
It raised over $300,000 and was attended by some 300 guests.
The funds will be channelled towards those in need of assistance at the Henderson-Dawson constituency as well as benefit students in Sinda’s educational programmes by funding e-learning technologies and youth mentorship.
Said Sinda president Indranee: “It is very important to spare a thought for those who are in need and this (the funds raised) goes in to the Sinda general funds for a variety of things such as Step tuition bursaries, Lynn programme for pre-school.
“This year, Sinda wants to make a big push for outreach to the people who actually need Sinda’s services so some of the funds will be channelled towards that as well.”
During the charity event, Ms Indranee sang the popular Bollywood song Tum Hi Ho from the movie Aashiqui 2 and Vaan Megam from the Tamil film Punnagai Mannan.
She also belted out Cantonese and English songs with veteran local singer Mohamed Raffee who played the guitar.
The fashion show held during the gala dinner showcased the collections of some of India’s best designers, such as Rohit Gandhi, Rahul Khanna, Kavita Bhartia, Ujjawal Dubey, Nikasha Jayanthi Reddy and Anushree Reddy, who are best known for their contemporary pieces influenced by the east-west milieu of today’s global citizens.
MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC Joan Pereira, who was the special guest, performed alongside children from the Henderson-Dawson constituency.
She said: “The children were from the We love learning programme and I learnt from them too. They are excellent examples and this kind of event helps build their self-confidence.”
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