Dr Joachim (third right ), Shahelmey (third left) and Liew (second right) at the PCA Logo Lighting Ceremony. Looking on from left are Lim, Tan and Dr Jaswant (right).
KOTA KINABALU: The Palliative Care Association of Kota Kinabalu’s (PCAKK) 26th Annual Charity Dinner & Concert with the theme “Heart of Gold” held at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here raised RM270,000 on Friday night.
Organising Chairman Datuk Margaret Lim said the amount was derived from donations from the State Government, private companies and individuals as well as from the proceeds of the charity dinner.
“I am deeply touched by the overwhelming support we have received. The generosity of sponsors, donors and diners has made our palliative care mission sustainable.
“PCAKK has cared for over 5,200 patients since its formation in 1995,” she said in a statement today.
Lim, who is also the association’s Management Adviser, expressed the PCAKK’s appreciation to the Head of State Tun (Dr) Musa Aman, the Sabah Government, Mayor of Kota Kinabalu, Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, former Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah and wife Datin Mary Yong, former PCAKK Patrons Datuk Edward Ong and Datuk Seri Victor Paul, SICC, leading hotels, corporate bodies, sponsors, volunteers, local and national media, and all the donors of lucky draw prizes for their support.
Among the 1500 patrons were three State Ministers who lit up the PCA Logo to mark the start of the event. They were Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya who received the memento on behalf of the Head of State, Deputy Chief Minister II cum Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam and Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
Backed by a live band and dancers, Rebecca O’Connor, an internationally acclaimed tribute artiste celebrated for her intriguing portrayal of Tina Turner, earned rounds of applause from the appreciative audience with her 90-minute rendition of Turner’s greatest hits, including “Proud Mary” and “Simply the Best”. It culminated in an encore by popular demand.
Speeches were delivered by PCAKK President Datuk Dr Jaswant Singh and PCAKK Patron Meng Tan, with entertaining performances by talented saxophonist Zara Goh Flintoft, accomplished musicians The String Trio, and emcee Rene Barrow who doubled up as a seasoned vocalist.
