With COVID-19 and and strict gathering restrictions in place, our signature fundraising event – Dover Park Hospice Sunflower Gala Ball was moved online, named “Virtual Sunflower Charity Dinner” this year, where close to 250 guests attended the virtual dinner. Held on 18 September 2020, we delivered a curated 3-course dinner to each of the guest’s residence.
Our guests were immersed in “Sweet Summer Nights” set in the background of tropical islands, with welcome packages containing themed party accessories delivered together with their dinner, so that they could dress up to the occasion. Apart from the gastronomic dining experience, guests were able to access a specially designed microsite where they were able enjoy the evening’s programme which included pre-recorded speeches by our Guest of Honour, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, and newly appointed Dover Park Hospice’s Chairman, Associate Professor Jeremy Lim. The night was also filled with exciting live-stream performances hosted by local radio deejay Denise Tan, who also performed a comedy skit, as well as Dover Park Hospice’s very own volunteer group, GEMS Show Choir, who put up a medley of ABBA hits.
There were also 5 items, which includes paintings, whiskey and a ceramic pot up for auction, and guests also purchased raffle draw tickets for a chance to win exclusive designed aromatherapy packages. After a night of fun and entertainment, guests were invited to their assigned virtual rooms to enjoy a night of conversations with their friends and family. Mr Gurmit Singh, the Hospice Ambassador, also graced the event by visiting some of the top-tier donors’ rooms.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat shared in his pre-recorded speech that he was glad Dover Park Hospice had expanded its services, such as the opening of its day care facility in October 2019, and the recent expansion of home care services to also serve non-cancer patients with end-stage organ failure. Associate Professor Jeremy Lim also said, “We are excited about our move to our new facility at the Integrated Care Hub in 2022 as we ramp up our resources and infrastructure to serve twice as many patients.”
At Dover Park Hospice, we rely on philanthropic giving to continue with our mission in providing comfort, relief of symptoms and palliative care to patients with advanced disease regardless of age, race or religion and in supporting grieving families. We are grateful to all who attended and supported us in one way or another in helping us raise over S$1 million this dinner.
| Audited | Amount Raised |
|---|---|
|
Virtual Sunflower Charity Dinner – Sweet Summer Nights |
$1,051,660 |
