The Kanoo Group, one of the largest, family-owned groups of diversified companies in the Gulf region, backed a recent cancer charity event held in Dubai as Platinum Sponsor.

Prominent personalities from various oil & gas sectors gathered in the 11th edition of Oil Barons Charity Ball at Meydan Racecourse. This annual gala event aims to raise funds for a charitable, volunteer based foundation, the Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) under the umbrella of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah.

Maurice Ghattas, group chief executive officer, YBA Kanoo Group of Companies; Bob Curtis, CEO (UAE & Oman) of the Kanoo Group and Fahad Kanoo, executive director-UAE & Oman of the Kanoo Group graced the occasion.

The Oil Barons Charity Ball has become an important part of the corporate social responsibility program of The Kanoo Group.

The Kanoo Group last year also signed a Diamond Sponsorship for the event which fund-raised over Dh1.1 million ($299,000) for FOCP - with key objectives to provide moral, financial, emotional and medical support for cancer patients, while aiming to create a widespread awareness about cancer, early detection and prevention within UAE community. FOCP has been able to support over 500 patients over the past decade.

With this year’s aim to beat the previous figure to support the foundation, the Fundraising Auction highlighted specialized and unique items for generous donors. Live Auctions included: U2 signed Guitar, Montegrappa Pen - Gold with Diamonds, Muhammad Ali & Pele signed Jacket, Tiger Woods & Jack Nicholson signed Jacket, Michael Jackson signed Jacket and Madonna signed Microphone.

Alternatively, Silent Auctions included: Sean Connery signed Photo, Justin Rose signed US Open Pin Flag, Luis Suarez Liverpool Shirt, Phioro Venus Ruby Earrings, Robbie Williams signed Photo, British & Irish Lions signed Jersey, Sebastian Vettel signed Photo, Andy Murray Tennis Racket, Matteo Manassero signed Glove & Cap, Lewis Hamilton signed Helmet, Meydan Weekend Package, Dubai World Cup VIP package and Parmar bespoke suits.

The 2014 Oil Barons Charity Ball was held with a James Bond theme and an exclusive live performance from the Queen of British Soul, Beverly Knight. – TradeArabia News Service