Bamboo Bay Jiyeh Beach Party           July 21, 2005

Bamboo Bay at Jiyeh was the exotic location chosen this year to host the annual Brave Heart fundraising dinner.

Over 400 tickets were sold, raising over $55,000 for children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).

The guests were welcomed at the entrance by the seven committee members.

Then young and eager volunteers sporting Brave Heart 'T' shirts escorted guests to the bar-terrace for welcome drinks where they could mingle against a colorful backdrop as the last remains of the beautiful sunset disappeared into the calm sea.

Soon the tempo was lifted by Roger's Percussionist Band, and guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet overlooking the poolside. Candlelit tables were adorned with fresh strewn flower petals and the ambiance was set for a wonderful evening.

The young volunteers passed by with tombola tickets, which were fully sold out, as lucky guests claimed valuable prizes of jewellery, gift certificates, spa memberships, electronics and even a round trip ticket to Rome.

As the evening got underway, Riham Serhan, co-founder of the fund, took the microphone in order to wish everyone a good evening and to thank all participants and guests for their generous support, which will go towards helping needy children with CHD get the surgery or treatment they so rightly deserve. She also thanked all the supporters and volunteers for their kind assistance.

Dr Fadi Bitar, pediatric cardiologist at the Children's Heart Center at AUBMC (where the surgeries are performed), addressed the audience next, emphasizing the difference the Brave Heart Fund was making to the lives of many children and their families. He said that although it is an extremely difficult thing for any parent to go through, for families in need, the problem is worsened by the lack of funds. In Lebanon alone, over 600 babies suffering from CHD are born to families in need. Since its inception in November 2003, the fund has allowed for vital surgery and treatment for over 130 children, the youngest just one day old. Bitar thanked everyone for their generous support which will go a long way in saving more lives.

Dr Nadim Cortas, VP for Medical Affairs and dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center spoke last, thanking everyone for their generosity and reminding them to have a great party.

The party continued until the early hours, and on leaving, guests were presented with small souvenirs and "Sharing" cards, which when swiped at MEDCO gasoline stations, collect points which are then converted into cash donations to the Brave Heart Fund.



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