In a time of Covid-19, virtual fundraisers can make a resounding impact. This was certainly the case when close to 250 guests attended this month’s Dover Park Hospice Virtual Sunflower Charity Dinner — the first time in 27 years that the hospice’s gala fundraiser has had to go online.
A showcase of heart-warming generosity, it raised over $1 million — exceeding an initial target of $800,000 — that will go towards providing holistic palliative care for patients and their caregivers.
Themed Sweet Summer Nights, the Friday evening get-together was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Dover Park Hospice patron Dr Tony Tan. From the comforts of their own homes, guests were transported to a tropical island with live-streamed performances by Dim Sum Dolly and radio deejay Denise Tan, and a serenade of ABBA hits by Dover Park’s own GEMS show choir that’s made up of volunteers.
In his welcome address, Dover Park Hospice Chairman Dr Jeremy Lim said: “During Covid-19, providing safe and quality end-of-life care becomes especially vital and more difficult. Despite this, the focus of palliative care has not changed. It remains a ‘whole-person’ approach spanning medical, emotional, social and spiritual care; using creative ways to continue engaging patients with infection control and safety measures in place.”
The specially curated dinner featured tantalising, multi-course menus from Michelin-starred Odette and Alma by Juan Amador, Wild Rocket by Chef Willin Low, Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore and The Fullerton Hotel. Guests also took part in a silent auction that showcased a bottle of Hennessy Paradis Imperial, a ceramic bowl and a trio of paintings — one of which is by Dr Chua Yang, a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist who is the daughter of cultural medallion award recipient Chua Mia Tee.
To make a donation in support of Dover Park Hospice, click here.