By John Redmond
The British Chamber of Commerce in Korea (BCCK) and the British Association of Seoul (BASS) held the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Ball (2016 QBB) fundraiser at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, June 4.
Attracting over 350 guests from 100 companies and 60 sponsors, the evening featured a performance by the Dulwich College Seoul Senior Orchestra, which played the Korean and British national anthems, and welcoming speeches from U.K. Ambassador Charles Hay and BCCK CEO Sean Blakeley.
The event was hosted by MC Willy Wonka.
“Our theme tonight takes its inspiration from world-renowned British writer Roald Dahl’s masterpiece, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the event organizer said in the invitation.
The main event was the Grand Raffle to raise money for three charities: Angel’s Haven, the BCCK Chevening Scholarship and the Jeon Jin Sang Center.
Angel’s Haven is an organization located in northeastern Seoul that serves both the mentally and physically disabled. Money raised from the 2016 QBB will go towards building a residential care home.
The BCCK Chevening Scholarship in conjunction with the U.K. international awards scheme is aimed at developing global leaders. With donations from the evening, the BCCK will send business, international trade and economics graduates to the U.K.
Established in 1975, the Jeon Jin Sang Center offers free medical and welfare services including palliative care to the urban poor. The center was established by Dr. Marie-Helene Brasseur in a slum area in southwestern Seoul in 1975. Money raised from the 2016 QBB will be used to upgrade the center.
For more information, visit bcck.or.kr, angelshaven.or.kr, chevening.org and jeonjinsang.or.kr.