The foyer of the New World Hotel grandballroom was filled to capacity as the guests streamed in for the 22nd Annual AmCham Foundation’s Thanksgiving Ball -taking you back to the 50’s with “ High Society”. A striking 3 Casio Organ (donated by Belrewmond Trading Inc.) took center place on one of the Silent Auction tables; a piña silk barong (courtesy of Silk Cocoon) commanded attention on another table and Casio watches (donated by Time Depot). A Caviar plate made of mother pearls (courtesy of Kristines Shells), a capiz sets of bowls, plates and trays (donated by Tesoros) – as well as holiday accommodation packages from El Nido Resort, Peninsula Manila, Microtel Inns & Suites Boracay, Plantation Bay Resort, Baguio Country Club, Holiday Inn Hotels, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila and American Hospitality Academy drew bids from the assembled guests.
The guests – our AmCham members and friends from the business community, members of the diplomatic corps and other organizations – were ushered into the elegant white and black ballroom with the blast of brass horns from the Executive Band.
Mc Ricky Quiogue welcomed the guests and the program began. Mr. Sanjiv Vohra, Vice President of the chamber, welcomed guests and Mr. Ed Feist, President of the AmCham Foundation, added his words of welcome and the MANY and valued sponsors. Mr. Patrick Wall Senior Commercial Officer of US Foreign Commercial Service deliver the Thanksgiving message
The waiters did a parade for the presidential table while serving the main course which is the Oven Roasted Turkey with Bread, Sage & Celery Stuffing, Cranberry Relish Sweet PotatoGratin, Carrots & Zucchini with mini corn muffins.
Ms. Chit Ventura, Chair of the CSR Committee took to the podium to award the second of what will be an every two years event, CSR Awards ceremony which honored companies with outstanding CSR programs. The categories and winners were:
Improving Quality and Access to Education
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES
BRIGHT MINDS READ
Delivering Equitable Healthcare
DOLE PHILIPPINES INC.
THE BANGA PINOY: FERROCEMENT WATER TANK COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM PROJECT
Creating and Sustainable Livelihood
CHEVRON PHILIPPINES, INC.
KAPATID
Ensuring a Safe and Clean Environment
CALENERGY INTERNATIONAL SERVICES INC.
BUILD OUR FOREST, BUILD OUR FUTURE
Peace in Conflict-Ridden Areas (Special Awards 2009)
QUEZON POWER (PHILIPPINES) LMITED CO
SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM (CAGSIAY 1 MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE)
Most Promising CSR Program (Special Award)
CHEVRON PHILIPPINES, INC,
PROJECT SEAHORSE: MAMINTAW MARINE PARK SANCTUARY
The evening continued with the fabulous Farida Laura, Ricky Quiogue and the Executive Band, with the full brass section that dished out great 1950’s melodies.
We thank all our more than 250 guests and supportive sponsors who for the past 22 years of celebrating Thanksgiving in Manila have always helped the AmCham Foundation Programs one way or another.
The 22nd AmCham Thanksgiving Ball is brought to you by Ford Group Philippines (Theme Sponsor); Chevron Philippines Inc., Goodyear Philippines, Quezon Power Ltd; American Eye (Diamond Sponsors); Northwest Airlines (Emerald Sponsor); Abbott Laboratories, Peregrine, OSG Ship Management Manila, Inc. (Platinum Sponsor); Globe Telecom, Hawaiian Airlines, El Nido Resort (Silver Sponsor); Globe Telecom (Wine Sponsor); Asian Tigers Lane Moving, Coca-cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. (Function Sponsors).
Our special thanks to the following:
7107 Islands Cruise * American Eye Center * American Hospitality Academy * Asian Hospital and Medical Center * Avon Cosmetics, Inc. * Baguio Country Club * Cibo * Coca-Cola Far East Ltd. * Dam Good Stuff, Inc * DHL Express, Phils. * Dusit Thani Manila * El Nido Resorts * Forth & Tay * Fraser Place * Holiday Inn Clark * Johnson & Johnson (Phils.) Inc * Kristine Shells * Makati Shangrila * Microtel Inn & Suits * New World Hotel Makati City Manila * Ocean Adventure * Pepsi Co Inc. * Philippine Airline * Plantation Bay Resort * San Miguel Corp. * SC Johnson * Silk Cocoon * Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila * Tesoro Group of Companies * The Bellevue Manila * The Hersheys Company * The Manila Peninsula * The Manor Camp John Hay * Villa Escudero Plantation and Resorts
