SIWAs Charity Events Get Cheers
By Jay E. Kim
Contributing Writer
The annual Shanghai Night Silent Auction and Casino charity event kicked off with a bang Saturday at the Grand Hilton Hotel.
Seoul International Women's Association (SIWA), an organization that has strived to enhance the lives of expatriates in Korea as well as support those in need here for the past 50 years, mobilized over 100 volunteers to help run two charity events to raise money for the needy in South Korea.
SIWA's President Mary Clarke said in an interview with The Korea Times: ``We're trying to raise money for all the Korean charities. So many of us (expats) are here, we want to be busy and do things to help other people. A group of women from all over the world can come together and do good things in other places, and we hope to be good role models for others as well.''
SIWA started a Charity Bazaar in 1970, and as the event grew, so did the need for support in Korea. By 2002 the non-profit group had so many sponsors that the Shanghai Nights Casino and Silent Auction Evening gala was launched.
The black tie event had a Chinese theme, with a dragon ice sculpture, red lanterns, fans, Chinese cuisine and women dressed in colorful Chinese dresses, or ``cheonsam.''
Upbeat music from the live band filled the air as the room buzzed with guests, who browsed the silent auction tables and enjoyed the abundant buffet dinner and free cocktails. As the night went on, guests bustled around casino tables to play roulette and blackjack with a twist ― they played to win for charity and not for themselves.
The auction tables featured clever titles to appeal to bidders: ``Antique Alley'' showcased beautiful traditional furniture; ``For the woman in your life'' displayed luxurious MCM handbags and Chanel products; ``For men who have everything,'' advertised expensive Macallan Scotch whiskey. Exquisite oriental rugs, artwork, celadon pottery and even a Buddha sculpture were on display around the room for bids.
The highlight of the night was the live auction, which offered items such as a holiday package to Singapore, courtesy of Singapore Airlines and Hilton Hotels, and 30-year-old Highland Park scotch _ the most expensive whiskey in Korea. However, the centerpiece of the live auction was the ``Gentra X,'' generously donated by GM Daewoo, which went for 10 million won.
Although the Shanghai Nights gala ended in a great success, another exciting event, the annual SIWA and Diplomatic Community Bazaar, will be held this coming Sunday. Families can purchase goods from 50 different countries, try new foods and watch live performances. The bazaar will also feature a lottery with fabulous prizes such as airline tickets and luxury products. SIWA has also prepared magic shows, games, prizes and great carnival food for children.
``The list of events on that day is so huge that people must come and see! It's a great way to spend a Sunday with the family and at the same time be helping the less fortunate,'' said Jay Kruytbosh, second vice president and SIWA & Diplomatic Bazaar chairperson.
All the proceeds from both events will go to support over 30 Korean charities who work with orphans, broken families, the elderly and AIDS patients. Kruytbosh emphasized, ``as winter is rolling in they (the needy) will need fuel to keep warm. Food is needed for the elderly, as they are not mobile in the cold months to go out shopping for food. More people get sick and depressed during the cold months that we really need to look after their well being as we are all so fortunate.''
She added, ``that is why it's so important that the word gets out into the community to come and attend the grand bazaar because all these charities are counting on us for help and we can not let them down.''
The 2007 SIWA and Diplomatic Community Bazaar will be held on Nov. 18, Sunday, at the Grand Hilton Hotel from 11:00a.m to 5p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door for only 10,000 won. For more information visit www.siwapage.com or contact Caroline Rempel at
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