Oil Barons Charity Ball Exceeds All Previous Donations For Friends Of Cancer Patients

Jim Watson Crowned Oil Baron 2013

The Oil Barons Charity Ball, a glittering event which took place on Friday evening under the stars at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, beat the impressive AED 1 million raised at the last edition of the event for the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) Society.

Addressing more than 1,300 guests, the event’s patron His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, and Honorary President of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, described the 10th anniversary of the Ball as a celebration of “tolerance and good relations among peoples of different backgrounds – values that characterize life in the UAE.”

Sheikh Nahayan said: “I acknowledge with deep thanks your continuing support of the Friends of Cancer Patients and applaud your resolve in adding even more dirhams to the more than AED2 million already raised for the society in the past three years.”

Event organiser dmg :: events said it was overwhelmed by the generosity shown by event patrons and sponsors in support of this year’s Oil Barons Charity Ball, an effort which reflects the community spirit of the region’s oil and gas industry.

Marking the event’s 10th anniversary, this year’s ball was glamorously titled ‘The Glitter Ball’. Highlights of the evening included an ABBA tribute band, ‘Take A Chance’, and 70’s group ‘Million Dollar Band’, which both rocked the venue into the small hours.

Rob McCaffrey, Dubai’s best-known football pundit, was on hosting duties and fun and excitement were on the cards for all guests as the silent and live auctions got underway.

Recognised as one of Dubai’s most important society events with a purpose, more than 1,300 guests, including VIPs and dignitaries, turned out on the night to show their support for the annual fundraiser.

 

In a moving address, H.E Sheikh Nahayan thanked guests and the people of the UAE for their generosity in assisting those less fortunate, in particular those affected by cancer, and pledged a personal donation of AED300,000 to Friends of Cancer Patients.

“I look forward to participating in your endeavours in the future,” Sheikh Nahayan said. “Your contributions to society and your involvement in the community deserve celebration.”

Geoff Dickinson, President of dmg :: events Middle East and Asia, organisers of the Oil Barons Charity Ball, also presented a cheque for AED300,000 to the FOCP. Mr Dickinson was joined on stage by H.E Sheikh Nahayan, H.E Ameera Binkram, President Board of Trustees and Founding Member of the Friends of Cancer Patients, and Simon Mellor, Senior Vice President of dmg :: events.

Another highpoint of the evening was the crowning of Jim Watson, Owner and Managing Director of Certified Oilfield Rentals, as the Oil Baron of 2013.

Entering the arena on a Harley-Davidson motorbike amidst rapturous applause and a dramatic fireworks display, Watson received his award on stage with previous recipients of the prestigious title.

Watson was recognised not only for his outstanding business achievements but also for his contributions to the wider community, which including opening training centres and sponsoring employees to complete their higher education.

In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Watson thanked his wife and family and paid tribute to the UAE as a country that rewards “hard work and determination”. Promising to continue the community endeavours of previous Oil Barons, Watson also pledged an impressive AED200,000 to the Friends of Cancer Patients.

Commenting on the success of the 10th Oil Barons Charity Ball, Senior Vice President dmg :: events, Simon Mellor said: “We are still to finalise the total amount raised on the night for Friends of Cancer Patients but we are confident that we have exceeded the impressive AED1 million raised at the last ball, and that’s an astounding achievement coinciding with the event’s 10th anniversary.

“The night was a huge success and we are thrilled by the amount of money that has been raised so far. We would not have achieved such a result without the generosity of our sponsors and the ongoing support of the ball’s patrons. On behalf of dmg::events, a big thank you to you all.”

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Mar 10, 2013

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