A unique fund-raising event was held recently amid the cool wind of Khao Yai. Dubbed "The Secret Castle", the exclusive gala dinner and auction was hosted by Sirin Chatvichai, managing director of Degree (Thailand), manufacturer and distributor of lighting products, at the Austrian-style castle at My Ozone housing project, among the valleys of Khao Yai.
Among the guests were the country's leading entrepreneurs, Bangkok socialites as well as Sirin's classmates from the Capital Market Academy Class 22 including Ariya Panomyong, Gen Vichien Sirisoontorn, Dr Wutthipong Kittitanasuan, Pichai Chirathivat, Dr Pranya Sakiyalak, Dr Thaweelarp Ritapirom, Dr Chadchart Sittipunt, Jiraphant Asvatanakul, Pol Col Dr Srihanard Prayoonrat, Teerada Umpanwong, Pol Gen Panya Marmen, Sirote Duangrat, Chaovanin Banditkrisada, Anuthin and Sasitorn Charnveerakul, among others.
The charity evening aimed to raise funds for the Siriraj Foundation's Ta Sai Jai Sa-ard funding programme, which provides help to underprivileged patients in need of a cornea transplant. The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped surface of the eye that accounts for a large part of the eye's focusing power.
"Blindness could result from many factors and cornea transplant, with donated corneas harvested from the deceased, is needed to restore their sight. After the operation, proper care must be provided to fend off infection. This is where the foundation comes in, to help patients with needed post-operation care, which could cost a lot of money," said Sirin.
"This fund-raising event is in line with Degree (Thailand)'s core business objective in trying to give back to the society as much as we could," added Sirin. "As our business is to provide quality lighting, I specifically wanted to help those who are visually impaired, to give them light in their lives. I have consulted my classmate, Asst Prof Dr Pranya Sakiyalak, who suggested the Ta Sai Jai Sa-ard because not many people have heard about it and an increasing amount of money is needed every year to help underprivileged patients."
Staying true to the host's business, the evening showcased extravagant light decorations in the housing project's luxurious castle. Apart from the black-tie sit-down dinner featuring gourmet menu and fine wines, guests were also treated to a stunning The Phantom of the Opera, performed by two talented singers Chawanluck Direkwattananukul and Koravich Dhevahastin na Ayudhaya, completed with the light and sound system support. Act 1 was surprisingly performed on horseback, while Act 2 was moved to the spacious balcony of the castle overlooking the beautiful seated audience below.
The fund-raising auction started after dinner with VIP guests donating their valuables for the charity auction. Kicking off the auction was the host's classic Italian-style standing chandelier valued at 80,000 baht, which was auctioned off at 140,000 baht by Dr Chadchart Sittipunt.
Next was Phra Buddha Prathan Dhamma, a sculpture art piece created by artist Netikorn Chinyo. The sculpture, valued at 100,000 baht, was a collectible item of Dr Wutthipong Kittitanasuan. Offering the highest bid for the art piece at 590,000 baht was Jiraphant Asvatanakul. Another highlight was the bid to have dinner with the host, where Phubej Jantanimi and Pichai Chirathivat closed the deal at 100,000 baht.
The event also saw another auction to raise funds for the Capital Market Academy Foundation and the Capital Market Academy Class 22. The money raised will use to acquire educational toys and other necessities for children with special needs in the southern province of Pattani. The first auction piece was the Thammaracha, a sculpture created by artist Watchara Prayoonkham valued at 100,000 baht. It was auctioned out at 1 million baht to Siriya Thepchareon. There was also a Manchester United jersey of Dr Oran Wongsurapichej that started off at 10,000 baht and ended up at 100,000 baht to Charin Samornpitakkul.
At the end of the night a total of 1.9 million baht was raised for charity -- 830,000 baht to benefit the Ta Sai Jai Sa-ard funding programme of Siriraj Foundation, and 1.1 million baht to the Capital Market Academy Foundation and Capital Market Academy Class 22.
The night was concluded with hearts filled with joy and faces painted with smiles. The happiest of all is definitely the host, Sirin Chatvichai, who puts the party together for a good and admirable course.
Act 2 of The Phantom of the Opera was performed on the balcony of the castle.
From left, Ariya Panomyong, Gen Vichien Sirisoontorn, Dr Wutthipong Kittitanasuan, Sirin Chatvichai, Siriya Thepchareon, Pichai Chirathivat and Dr Chadchart Sittipunt.
From left, Charin Samornpitakkul, Thaveesak Lertprapan, Chatvadee Prayoonrat, Pol Col Dr Srihanard Prayoonrat, Jiraphant Asvatanakul and Dr Wutthipong Kittitanasuan.
From left, Prangthip Anantavipark, Achiraya Inkatanuvat, Sirin Chatvichai and Achara Jiwramonaikul.
Dr Nopadol Sarapala, centre, with the two talented opera singers, Chawanluck Direkwattananukul, left, and Koravich Dhevahastin na Ayudhaya.
