TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA REACH Out To Asia (ROTA) hosted an appreciation night following the completion of the fourth gala dinner recently.

The event was held to acknowledge the contribution of volunteers, staff members and friends for making the event an unprecedented success.

The gala dinner and charity auction, which took place at Katara last month, raised $13 million for ROTA’s outreach programmes. The gala dinner, held at Qatar Foundation Recreation Center, was attended by Qatar Foundation Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza.

Speaking on the occasion, ROTA board member Sheikha Dr Aisha bint Faleh al Thani conveyed thanks and appreciation of ROTA to all the volunteers, staff members and supporters who worked hard to make the 2011 ROTA Gala Dinner a success.

“Even though the event lasted only for a few hours, the preparations went on for months, and the dinner’s success would not have been possible without the fervent hard work put in by everyone involved.

Today is our opportunity to say ‘thank you’ – thank you for your efforts, thank you for support, and thank you for believing in us,” Sheikha Aisha said.

Besides, the Qatar Foundation staff members, Qatar Museum Authority officials and ROTA officials, Sheikha Aisha shared her gratitude for the Amiri Diwan for their support, Al Majed Jewelry and the ROTA staff and volunteers.

The children with special needs and their parents who contributed to the development of Al Koora art project were also thanked on the occasion.

For his part, ROTA Director Essa al Mannai said, “The gala dinner would not have been a success without your notable participation and support. I understand that your efforts were done for a higher cause and you seek no recognition. However, we feel it is only appropriate to have you with us today as a sign of our appreciation.” The Fourth ROTA Gala Dinner enjoyed the support of leading Qatari corporations — gold sponsor Msheireb Properties, silver sponsor Qatar Petroleum and bronze sponsor Qatar Vinyl Company Limited.

Proceeds of the gala dinner will go directly to fund education initiatives in Asia and the Middle East.