Saturday October 31 dawned early for the volunteers from ALL. The group gathered as early as 10 am with sleeves rolled up, rugged jeans and comfortable sneakers prepared for a day of anticipated hard work.
Yes we were told to expect around 500 cinema patrons to Lido 2 at Scotts for the first ever Big Screen premiere of Aunty Lucy, the latest most talked-about iconic 'Auntie" from the heartlands.
There were 500 goody bags to prepare and painstakingly placed on each seat. 'Operations Goody Bag' became frantic when we started our 'production line' at 2.15 pm (as some of the items arrived late) and with a reception looming with VIPs, Directors and Cast from Aunty Lucy and other invited MediaCorp artistes ETA 1430 hours, can you imagine the hurried hands, legs, fingers that came in play. Zoom zoom zoom. Fingers were bruised, knees scrapped and heads giddy.
All hands on deck - ALL volunteers, staff from Scorpion East, staff from Shaw and even some paying patrons came to lend a hand as many realised that this was a special day not just for ALL's Pets Villa but for many senior citizens. A group from Geylang Old Folks' Home, another two groups from the Senior Citizens Club from Henderson and Admiralty Community Centres were invited to join in the fun.
Yes, through the kind donations from various organisations and private individuals, invites to this Charity Screening included uncles and aunties, grandpas and grandmas. This is what made the day so special. This fund raising event is different from the others ALL have been involved in. This one enabled our Seniors a special outing, a treat with tea reception and enjoy a day at the movies and leave with a goodies laden bag. How wonderful that felt, to be part of such a momentous event. That our efforts not only helped raise funds for our beloved dogs and cats at Pets Villa but also serve these Seniors who have been here long before we did, who have contributed to society and made Singapore what she is now. How proud that made us feel. As we looked around to see the excited faces of the Seniors, we were glad, we were happy, we were touched and a little emotional. How we
wish every event would bring such joy to others who may otherwise not have a chance to enjoy a day out. How much more we can do if we had the time, expertise and sponsorship. Yes blessings should be shared and much more enjoyed with others.
The uncles and aunties enjoyed the tea, they loved the VIPs, many artistes were familiar to them for Channel 8 sitcoms are a favourite with the majority of Singaporeans. They were thrilled when the celebrities mingled and shook hands. It was a day special for many of them. It was like being on TV, except instead of small figures in a tube box, they get to see them in person. It seemed surreal not just for them but for us as well.
Amazingly the crowd, though big was well organised and by 3 pm, all were seated expectantly. With a video clip of Pets Villa screening in the background, Mohan from ALL gave his thanks to all present. Dennis Chew, aka Auntie Lucy and Christy Yow together with the cast from the movie and basket ball players made heartfelt speeches asking for support to Pets Villa's dogs and cats.
This event would not have been possible without the kind contributions and support from the following sponsors,
Scorpio East
Shaw Organisation
New Moon
Foxtrot
Lam Soon
Furry Pet
Science Diet
Director and Cast of Aunty Lucy
and all the patrons who attended as well as supporters from Animal Lovers League.
Special thanks to the volunteers who came early and left late, our quiet un-named heroes who are there in support at every event. What would we have done without you.
We are grateful to the staff at Scorpio East who came in full force and helped in our 'production line operation goody bags'. It was backbreaking sweaty work but we enjoyed working alongside you fantastic ladies.
Most importantly to Christy Yow, who spearheaded this effort and made a dream possible, Terence Ang who brought forth the plan and Eugene Yip who organised and spent sleepless nights with last minute details. These two great gentlemen saw that dream into fruition.
We salute you all
Woofs and Meows with waggy tails and purrs
Pooches and Kitties
Pets Villa
Animal Lovers League
Tickets and ALL's 2010 calendars on sale
Operation Goody Bags
Aunty Lucy's DVD on sale that day on promo price
Packed and ready to go
Tea reception
A goody bag on each seat in a 500 seater hall
Dennis Chew aka 'Aunty Lucy'
Henry Thia
Great turnout
Eric Khoo and Christy Yow
Dennis Chew, Eric Khoo and Christy Yow
Its autograph time!
'Aunty Lucy and her daughter'
Christy Yow, Dennis Chew, Aileen Tan and Producer
Happy smiles for a Great Event
Xiang Yun, Edmund Chen and family
Pan Ling Ling
Seniors queuing to go into the cinema. They were orderly and impressed us with their patience.
Mohan from A.L.L. giving his Thanks
Speeches from the Cast
Irene Ang supported with her presence
Screening of Pets Villa
Mandai Fundraising Dinner, another opportunity to show your support, November 21. Come join us.
Gentle Honey for a home
Honey is a beautiful and gentle female dog.
She is very sweet and has a wonderful temperament.
Gets along with the fosterer's hamsters.
Lovely smiley face and soft fur and swaying tail
Estimated at probably 10 months.
Excellent with kids
A.L.L. For Love Fundraising Dinner
November 21, Saturday, 7 pm
Have you got your tickets ye? The Dinner is a two week's away, and boy are we excited!! :D Please tell your friends and family and come join us for a great time in the Forrest!! We are thankful for many sponsors who have supported us with great prizes for auction and raffle draw. The best part …. we are expecting yet more sponsorships so keep a lookout for updates! (http://www.animalloversleague.com/)
It is not too late to join us for a sumptuous Chinese sit-down dinner (Halal and Vegetarian available), amidst a tranquil 'forest' setting, with goodie bags up for grabs, fantastic raffle prizes to win and lots of wonderful items to bid for in our fun and crazy auction!
Tickets are priced at $100 per seat
If you are thinking of getting a Pet
Consider Adopting First
