John Velliquette (second from right), Robert van Meerendonk, (right), Charles Laubach (left) and Suneel Tyagi during the press conference yesterday. ©Gulf News |
John Velliquette, ABG's President, said the event will be held on October 1 as part of the group's seventh anniversary.
"This will be first of what the ABG hopes to be an annual event, to commemorate this occasion and to show our appreciation to the host government."
This event promises to be one of the highlights in Abu Dhabi's social calendar where 500 people, including ambassadors and other dignitaries, will be asked to raise money.
Charles Laubach, Event Manager, said until recently the group mainly focused on business and commercial activities but this event will be first of its kind the group has organised.
"It is good for us to symbolise that we enjoy living here in the UAE." He said the group has already sold 230 tickets at Dh500. The rest will be sold as they have already started advertising the event.
"We expect to generate good amount of revenue during the event which will go on all night." Laubach said the ABG has also invited members of other business groups in Abu Dhabi to take part in fund raising.
The venue for the ball will be the Arzanah Ballroom at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Resort and Towers.In addition to a gala dinner, the evening's entertainment will also include three live bands from the hotel, followed by a music show conducted by DJ Fadi of Abu Dhabi's Radio One.
As part of the event, a charity auction sponsored by a local equestrian club will be held. The winner will get to own a thoroughbred racehorse for one year.
Velliquette explained: "Enjoy the benefits of being a horse owner at all of the UAE race meetings, including entry to the Paddock and hopefully many times to the Winners Enclosure. The horse will be stabled in Abu Dhabi so ownership will be hassle-free."
Five models from the Contrast Model Agency in Dubai will model Rodeo Drive clothes in the show. The event will also include raffles sponsored by British Airways, Jumeirah International, Rotana Beach Hotel and Towers, and the host Sheraton. Rotana is offering three-months complimentary couple membership to its new Beach Club in Abu Dhabi.
Prizes include free stays at the sponsor hotels, while the grand prize will be offered by British Airways - two business class round trip tickets to any of the airline's 22 destinations in the U.S.
