Wanna Read? Fund raiser in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan foundation has announced through its ‘Wanna Read?’ initiative its first fundraiser to be held on Friday, May 13, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Relying solely on volunteers and community support to accomplish its mission, ‘Wanna Read?’ has already opened seven book-filled rooms for young hospital patients in the United Arab Emirates over the past three years and now aims to raise funds for a further six in 2016 through ticket sales, local partners, and a silent auction.

The initiative supports the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of 2016 being the year of reading, thus increasing the United Arab Emirates’ position as a global capital for culture and knowledge.

The leading force behind the initiative is its founder, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Sheikha Shamma will be spearheading all the activities in collaboration with Red Crescent and The Plan b Group. The team anticipates high profile dignitaries to be amongst their guest list.

The gala will be hosted by local media celebrities and will feature performances by artists and entertainers. A silent auction will be conducted during the evening as part of the fundraising activities and will provide guests with the opportunity to bid for an array of generously donated valuable items and amazing experiences. In addition, a children’s ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ will be held during the daytime to entertain over 100 young current and former patients of Abu Dhabi hospitals.

"I am thankful to our partners for their support and am confident of reaching our goal of encouraging the habit of reading amongst children in hospitals, ensuring they have the necessary opportunities and resources available to promote ‘Healing through Reading", said Sheikha Shamma.

"We are looking forward to a successful fundraiser which will make our nationwide campaign possible. As a non-profit organisation, the strength of our initiative lies in the interest we receive from the community. We have been very fortunate with the support we have received to date and hope for more of the same during this event."

This event will be organised and managed by Plan b, which was founded by entrepreneur Harmeek Singh in 2004. Today, the group is regarded as one of the UAE’s finest marketing and events companies, with an award-winning reputation for successfully delivering complex events, especially for government and semi-government entities.

Harmeek Singh, Owner and Founder of Plan b Group said, "Our group has a long tradition of supporting the community. We are honoured and consider it a privilege to be able to support this noble cause. The initiative truly adds an extra dimension to our nation’s medical and educational services, we anticipate a great amount of support for the cause during the fundraiser."

"Knowledge is the gateway to innovation, and it is a delight to see that our nation recognises and contributes to it as an integral part of our social development," he added.

The gala event will take place on May 13 from 7.30 pm. onwards. Table bookings start at Dh10,000 and will accommodate a maximum of 10 people and VIP tables are available at Dh15,000. Individual tickets are also available starting at Dh1,000. All profits will go to the "Wanna Read?" initiative.

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