After 22 years Revived hotel hosts the first of many big events yet to come in Suva
Clik here to view.
International Women’s Association Fiji-Grand Ball Charity Event nThe evening came alive as a glamourous array of sophisticated men and women stepped into the night to support an event for a truly worthy cause. Photos: Justine Mannan
Ranoba baoa
suva
The eve of April 12 will always be a night to remember for a handful of Suva’s most influential and elite people.
They had the first opportunity to gather at an event at Fiji’ iconic structure – the Grand Pacific Hotel.
The hotel hosted the first of many events to come after 22 long years of being closed.
The Grand Pacific was partially opened to host the International Women’s Association Fiji’s most successful charity Grand Ball at what is Suva’s biggest Ballroom.
Hotel general manager Eugen Diethelm beamed saying it was “already a second Fiji Fashion Week” when he described the feeling.
“It is quite exciting for us that after such a long time we can finally open a part of the hotel,” Mr Diethelm said.
“The biggest ballroom in Suva is now open and that is a nice feeling. It was a lot of work, it was a lot of organisation of goods because the stocks were not here.
“So everything we had to get for the event is not like as it would be if it were opened. Three days ago we had nothing.
“But now the day has come and I must say it has turned out very well for us and for the guests.”
Acknowledgement
Association Fiji president Bubby Mohan said: “Thank you for being here with us at this magnificent Grand Pacific Hotel for our Grand Ball Charity Event.
“Thank you very much Eugen, the general manager, the contractors, the staff and every single person behind this in ensuring that the ballroom is ready for this event.”
Mrs Mohan thanked all sponsors (see sidebar for list) for their unconditional support.
She said approximately $120,000 was raised in silent and public auctions.
“It’s not ironic that we are hosting our Grand Ball at the Grand Pacific Hotel from where we will be auctioning off a Grand I10 Hyundai, thanks to the generosity once again of the Carpenters Group.
The vehicle valued at $35,000 managed a high bid of $51,000, she said.
“Thank you Sir Mogan, for your avid support always and for coming all this way with your family.
Tan Sri Sir Ninian Mogan Lourdenadin KCMG KBE is a businessman, investor, and medical doctor.
He is the principal shareholder and chief executive of MBF Holdings, a Malaysian services conglomerate operating in Malaysia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.
This conglomerate owns Carpenters (Fiji)Limited.
About the cause
Mrs Mohan said: “The focus will indeed still be the outreach facilitating medical treatment in 19 subdivisions that will cover the whole of Fiji reaching out to the women and girls in the unreachable areas of villages.
“We hope to raise a sizeable amount at this event tonight that will go directly towards equipping the sub divisions.
“We have also identified a well deserving school that could use our assistance to reach their full potential.”
Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj
sponsors
Mrs Mohan noted:
n Carpenters Group of Companies
n ANZ, another major sponsor,for the cash donation of $15,000
n Rosie Tours, Outrigger, Castaway, Westin Denarau Island Resort, and Radisson – for the amazing package deals for auction
n Fiji Airways – 2 business class tickets and tickets to the 7s for auction
n Digicel – always a big supporter, and once again, outstanding package deals with the tablet and the phone
n Grand Pacific Hotel- for the number of auction items and door prizes
n Vinod Patel, Motibhai, Aladdin’s Cave, Blue Lagoon Cruises, Lord’s Jewellers, Vodafone, Tappoo, Tracy Powell from The Galley at the Royal Suva Yacht Club, Nand’s Superdrug Pharmacy, Storck Cruises, Andrew Powell and Pure Fiji – for their generous gifts for live and silent auction, they are all our ongoing supporters
n Captain Cook Cruises, Punjas Wine & Spirits, Budget Pharmacy, Maya Spa, Denarau Medispa, Pure Fiji, FMF, Damodar City Centre, Neel Shivam Lawyers, Governor’s, Pure Fiji, Victoria Wines, Beauty Mantra and Jade Fiji – for the excellent door prizes and spot prizes
n Aqua 9 of Malaysia
n Cellar Masters, MH
n Toorak Gallery and Vou Dance Group and Star Printery, Kartika Construction