by Sujay Bendur
Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai (SP)
Dubai, Dec 12: Mangalore Konkans Dubai had organized their annual event, 'Family Fiesta – 2009,' at the Wanderers Sports Club, Sharjah on Friday December 11, 2009.
The day-long event started at around 11.00 am, with the delivery of the welcome address by the president of Mangalore Konkans, Santosh Nazareth.
'The Mission' band had come all the way from Srilanka to entertain the crowd throughout the day with their beautiful music. The cloudy weather and light rains provided the crowd with an ideal atmosphere to dance to the musical tunes.
Though there had been intermittent drizzling with some intervals in between, the spirit of the crowd continued to be high, and the people went on to have fun until evening. The Christmas atmosphere was in the air at the venue, as several participants were wearing the 'Santa' colour caps and attire.
Stalls, games, face-painting etc., which were organized by Mangalore Konkans attracted lot of participants, especially the kids.
Along with the 'Mission' troupe, local artistes like Gopi Kamath, Monica Valder and others entertained the crowd with their melodious voices and talented rendering.
Loads of spot prizes and gift vouchers that were on offer, encouraged the crowd to become overtly creative in their dances and performances. Singing of Christmas Carols by the teams from the crowd was one of the highlights of the event.
A good number of sponsors from around UAE and outside generously supported the event for the charity causes undertaken by the organizers, Mangalore Konkans Dubai. A spontaneous auction for novelties that was undertaken at the venue, succeeded in generating AED 125, 000, which stands as witness to the generous support from the community members for charitable causes.
NRE entrepreneur, Ronald Colaco, who is on a visit the UAE, also joined the Family Fiesta and contributed to the cause. Philanthropist Ivan Fernandes, Charles D'Souza and others too joined the cause.
Anil Menezes ably compered the event.