Magic Bus Singapore held its annual fundraiser at the Capella Singapore on 17 September and this year’s edition is the organisation’s tenth. With the aim of moving India’s children out of poverty, the event managed to raise S$500,000 to help with its endeavour. The sum was a combination of an auction of sponsored experiences and individual pledges to support the Magic Bus goal.
The evening’s diamond sponsor went to Mastercard, which was the first-time the global payment network company supported Magic Bus. Other sponsors included Harrys, William Grant (Glenfiddich) and entrepreneur Gautam Rampuria. Attendees were also treated to door gifts prepared by Calecim. Additionally, the repertoire of auction items was contributed by the Blend Group, RWS and Proof & Company. Undoubtedly, it was the luxurious experience for two at Six Senses, Uluwatu in Bali that was the evening’s high point and Mastercard was generous enough to offer this auction and conducted by Andy Martin.
In an elegantly decorated ballroom, the evening’s procession began with a welcome address by Magic Bus Singapore Chairman of the Board, Lindsay Cooper to an attendance of about 210 invited guests. Apart from thanking the sponsors and supporters, Cooper also called on the gala committee comprising Bina Rampuria, Dipika Bedi and Purnima Kamath, for their splendid effort in making the event a success. Cooper also took the opportunity to introduce the other board members at Magic Bus Singapore — Deepak Shahdadpuri, Jai Pathak, Bina Rampuria, Stephen Hunt, Gunjan Kalra and Ahmed Mazhari.
The presentation by the founder of the Magic Bus, Matthew Spacie, was the evening’s highlight. He described how Magic Bus managed to go beyond just lifting youths out of poverty but accompanying them for the next six to seven years where they are also taught valuable life skills. With a stable employment, they can be ensured to move from poverty to prosperity. And embodying the Magic Bus spirit was Parvati, who joined the programme at the age of nine, and today she is an accomplished manager who travels extensively.
Every child supported by the funds raised in the Singapore gala will be given a chance to be enrolled in a school where they will complete at least up to the 10th standard. And priority will be given to either completing a tertiary education or getting a job before marriage will be considered.
For more culture reads, click here.
