Kuwait: ‘Santa’s Sleigh Comes to Town’ Marks AAK’s Grand Christmas Celebration
Media Release
Kuwait, Dec 28: “Christmas and New Year is a time of reflection, a season of love and joy, time for sharing and caring, looking forward to a prosperous future and bringing happiness into our lives. While we are blessed, let’s not forget those less fortunate than us”, the motto of the Agnesian Alumnae Kuwait (AAK) befitted the sentiment of the season. The AAK organized “Santa’s Sleigh Comes to Town” grand celebrations to mark Christmas at the Party Hall in Salmiya here, recently.
The evening commenced with president Reema D’Souza extending a warm welcome to gathering. This was followed a Carol singing session getting the children and the present audience into the Christmas mood.
From thereon Remy D’Souza took over as compere for the evening. With children all dressed in the Christmas theme, the time was just right for the two contests, “Little Star” and “Little Prince & Princess”. The judges for the evening were Wilma D’Souza and Ivy D’Souza. In co-ordination, cultural secretary, Crystal D’Souza and former president Diany Cutinho conducted the contests. The Little Star contest was won by Miss Nicole Lasrado. The Little Prince of the evening was Master Wilbert D’Souza and Little Princess was Janice Mendes. With the children all set to the mood of the event, games were conducted by Remy assisted by committee members Anita Lewis and Anita Fernandes. It was a spectacle to watch so many children actively taking part in games organized by them.
The arrival of Melwyn D’Cunha and Sisters of the Carmel Convent, Kuwait was much appreciated. With a standing ovation Fr D’Cunha was escorted to the stage by president Reema D’Souza. On behalf of the AAK, Reema expressed gratitude to Fr Melwyn for his support to the association and also to the community in Kuwait. She also wished him good health and success in his vocational future.
In his address Fr Melwyn commended the tasks undertaken by the association. With reference to women he mentioned, “The hands that rocked the cradle, rules the world”, thus emphasizing the importance of the role played by women in the society. Vice-president Diana D’Souza handed over a memento as a gesture of love and appreciation. Thereafter prizes were handed over by Fr Melwyn to the winners of the contests and Sr Maria Lytta gave away prizes to the winners of the games conducted for children.
The grand entry by Santa Claus couple led by reindeers, Allricq D’Souza, Ethan Rodrigues, Clyde D’Silva, Floyd D’Souza, Abner Fernandes and Ethan Fernandes kept the children as well as the crowd delighted. Showers of goodies went out from Santa’s bag as each child stretched out to grab a share. AAK Committee members together with Santa couple cut the Christmas cake. Santa couple with the assistance of sports secretary, Leena Fernandes led the children to Santa’s Corner where children got their goodie-bags from Santa. The compere Remy took over leading the adult crowd into the grand Christmas march.
Music Masters/DJ Marlon played some scintillating music and the crowd danced to tunes as the tempo gradually picked up. Spot prizes interrupted the dance session only leaving the crowd wanting for more music and gifts. The ambience was a perfect blend of lighting provided by Joseph, feet tapping music and the main stage loaded with prizes and novelties wrapped by treasurer, Celine Mendonca and general secretary, Annet Castelino in the theme colours of the event.
Taking a breather, Liturgical secretary, Stella Fernandes led the crowd into prayer seeking graces from the Almighty on the food that was prepared for the event. Sumptuous buffet for the evening was prepared by the Caesar’s Group of Restaurants.
Dnata Travel Kuwait sponsored the first prize of the Raffle draw, a return air ticket to Mumbai while Rocky couple and Jovita D’Souza sponsored the consolation prizes raffle draw. Pascal B Pinto did the honours of picking up the lucky raffle tickets. The other fabulous prizes and gifts were sponsored by Al Yasra Food Co, Raymond Park Avenue, Dana Optics Co, The Sheraton Kuwait, The Palms Beach Hotels & Spa, The Royal Plaza Catering Co (Harold D’Souza), Pascal B. Pinto, Alpha Kout Electricals (Monthu Furtado), Oriental Restaurants, Royal Terrace Restaurants, UAE Exchange Co, City Center, Sarina’s Salon, Farasha Salon, and 5 a’Sec Laundry along with generous well wishers and AAK committee members. Caesar’s Confectionery sponsored traditional Mangalorean sweets, Kuswar which was distributed as the families entered the venue.
The Novelty dance session brought several couples to the floor as they waltzed to the tunes provided by the well famed Music Masters/ DJ Marlon. Winners of the Novelty dance were showered with gifts and those of the dance floor grabbed the opportunity of winning several spot prizes.
As the spectacular evening came to an end cultural secretary, Crystal D’Souza extended the vote of thanks once again expressing gratitude to the present audience and most importantly all sponsors and well wishers.
The event was yet another grand success adding one more gem onto the AAK crown, presented in true Agnesian style and spirit. It was a display of good presentation, ability and team work by the AAK committee as well as members, under the able leadership of president, Reema D’Souza, towards meeting the goals set by the almuni. Keeping in mind the motto of AAK, the proceeds of the event will be forwarded to the principal of St Agnes College, Mangalore to support the scholarship instituted by the AAK to financially support the education of deserving student at their alma mater.