Beirut Gala Dinner           March 13th, 2009

In a pleasant and lively atmosphere, the Brave Heart Fund organized its first fund-raising gala dinner at the Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel, on March 13th ,2009. Under the patronage of Prime Minister H.E Fouad Seniora, 600 selected guests amongst which Minister of Public Health Dr. Mohammad Jawad Khalifeh, Mrs. Mona Hraoui, Mrs. Abla Lahhoud, businessmen, and medical figures attended this glamorous event. The evening at the Phoenicia Intercontinental Ballroom was indeed very successful; with an entertainment program put together by talented Image Consultant Samer El Ameen starting with a violin solo performance by Vanessa and ending with a big-band show with rising stars such as Rouby Z. Lebanese-born TV producer and star Peri Cochin was master of ceremony making the evening unforgettable. Mrs. Joumana Ghandour Atallah, one of Brave Heart Fund’s founding members, declared in her welcome speech that the gala dinner aims to collect resources to help treat children affected by Congenital Heart Disease. “The money raised during the dinner will help us make sure that we will continue our activities. Thanks to your generous donations and our sponsors’ support, the Brave Heart Fund will continue its mission and “no child will die of heart disease because of a lack of funds”. Mrs. Atallah also thanked the Fund’s Goodwill Ambassador Director and Actress Nadine Labaki as well as the corporate sponsors: Fransabank, Lotus Shipping, Azm Wa Saade, Jammal Trust Bank, Saatchi & Saatchi, Obegi Better Home, Phoenicia Aer Rianta Co., Hypco, Averda, Arabian Construction Company, Beirut Container Terminal, Booz & Co., FDC, Transmed, Khatib & Alami, Bank of Beirut, BankMed, Credit Bank and Bank Audi. She also, added:” the NGO wouldn’t have succeeded without the dedication of its dynamic team of volunteers.” A very touching moment, when Dr. Nadim Cortas, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the American University of Beirut was awarded with a “Heart-shaped” sculpture designed by Mireille Honein in recognition of his support and commitment. The evening was marked by the strong support of remarkable persons, starting with the on-screen word from Fransabank’s Chairman Mr. Adnan Kassar, to the personal contributions of M.P. Ghassan Tuéni, writer Amine Maalouf, architect Zaha Hadid, designers Elie Saab, Sonia Rykiel and Philippe Starck, sculptor Mireille Honein , former NBA athlete Rony Seikaly, and music superstar Mika, who gave generously from their heart in the "Celebrities for the Heart" Gift Box Auction. The auction, held as the evening’s main attraction and fund-raising activity, raised a total of $105,000. With over 600 supporters, the Brave Heart Fund's first Beirut Gala Dinner raised funds for as many as 50 open-heart surgeries. The 29-second TV spot directed by Mazen Fayad and produced by the Fantastic Film Factory was screened during the dinner. The spot, based on an original concept by Impact BBDO, highlighted the fact that heart disease affects children as well as adults.

                    

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