Reach Out to Asia (Rota), a member of Qatar Foundation, raises $21 million at its recent bi-annual gala dinner in Doha to support education projects in Asia and the Middle East.

This year's theme for the gala dinner held at Ali Bin Abdullah Palace was "Plant a Book, Harvest a Future." The event aimed to raise funds for Rota's educational activities and projects in Asia and to support the educational needs of children who have been affected by wars and political conflicts in Asia.

Collected funds are used for building and renovating schools, encouraging their re-entry into education as well as providing employment opportunities for workers in the field of education.

Over 450 guests, dignitaries, celebrities and elite members of Qatari society and the Arab region attended the successful event.

The opening speech was delivered by Dr Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatar's Minister of Energy and Industry. The dinner was also attended by a number of celebrities and globally prominent personalities, including Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal.

In addition, the event was attended by a group of celebrities including Wissam Al Mana and his wife, Janet Jackson; Caroline Sheffield, chairperson of Chopard International Foundation; Tunisian singer and philanthropist, Latifa; poet, TV presenter and philanthropist, Lojain Omran, who is also known for her campaigns supporting Syrian refugees; and Syrian artist, Jamal Suleiman.

The moderator of the event was well-known media figure and poet, Parween Habib. The gala featured performances by Yemeni artist and composer, Ahmed Fathi, as well as German composer and violinist, David Garrett.

Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, chairperson of Reach Out to Asia (Rota) delivered a keynote speech highlighting the value of charitable and volunteer work and the importance of what Rota and its volunteers are doing to serve Qatari and Arab society.

She also presented Rota's "Lifetime Achievement" award to Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, in recognition of his dedication and devotion to development and charitable work and support of Rota's mission.

"This year the event was honoured by the presence of the Amir of Qatar, which gives us an additional motivation and confidence in what we do and what we are aiming for. Moreover, this underlines His Highness's interest in what Reach Out To Asia has been doing to support the historic role of Qatar in its unique geographical location, as well as what Rota is doing in support of volunteer work,” said Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

"On behalf of the people of Qatar, Rota is honoured to award HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, in recognition of his great and fruitful efforts and dedication. HRH is a role model and a bright example for us all and proof that hard work, dedication and thorough vision can create a stable, prosperous and healthy society."

At the end of the event, world famous auction house Sotheby's conducted a charity auction. A total amount of $21 million was raised through the sale of auction items including an Arabian horse, Njoud Al Shaqab, donated by Al Shaqab; a custom-made Hermes saddle donated by Wissam Saleh Al Mana; a Mini Cooper designed specially by artist Damien Hirst, donated by Alfardan Automobiles: a safari trip for two to South Africa donated by luxurious hotels Singita and the One & Only Resort.

In addition, there were two tickets to attend a football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, donated by Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy; a black gold necklace designed by Robert Procop and donated by American actress Angelina Jolie; and a motorcycle signed by world champion Grand Prix motorcycle road racer Giacomo Agostini.

Some surprises at the event included Latifa wearing special earrings donated by Chopard. The earrings are characterized by their unique design. In addition, Al Mannai Group donated an amazing pure gold and gemstone masterpiece.

All event seats were sold, with the price for front-row seats reaching $60,000 per seat. The charity auction was also held for the first time to support, through pledges, Rota's education projects in Syria, Palestine, Tunisia, Nepal and Pakistan.

Rota's Director, Essa Al Mannai, said: "Funds we raised tonight will directly support Rota's ongoing and future projects in Asia and the Middle East. Despite the difficulties faced by the global economy in recent years, we are delighted that our guests, sponsors and donors have shown eagerness and enthusiasm to defend the importance of education and raise awareness of Rota's work." – TradeArabia News Service