ChildAid to hit the high notes at Resorts World

Source : Business Times – 15 Jul 2009

Sentosa IR says it’s pulling out all the stops for the event

ChildAid, the charity concert that has brought smiles to many young faces over the years, promises to be doubly memorable this time round.

The event, to be held from Dec 19 to 21, will be the very first event to be staged at Resorts World at Sentosa. It will be held at Festive Grand, the resort’s 1,600-seat theatre.

The integrated resort (IR) is not scheduled to open until early next year, but Andrea Teo, vice-president of entertainment for Resorts World at Sentosa, said that it has decided to ‘pull out all stops to make this happen’.

ChildAid, organised by The Straits Times and The Business Times, showcases the best of Singapore’s young musical talents in support of two charities – The ST School Pocket Money Fund and The BT Budding Artists Fund. The charity is also marking its fifth anniversary this year.

‘The economic recession has led to a rise in the number of children who need help to pay for a meal in school or to continue their artistic pursuits,’ said ChildAid’s organising chairman Peter Khoo yesterday.

Han Fook Kwang, Editor of The Straits Times, said the number of student beneficiaries of the ST School Pocket Money Fund has risen by about 40 per cent since last year.

The ST School Pocket Money Fund helps 11,000 needy children pay for a meal during recess or for transport to school. It would require $5.7 million this year – the highest it has to raise since its inception in 2000.

‘Our tie-up with Resorts World at Sentosa will bolster ChildAid’s ambition to raise money for needy children and showcase the many talented youths here,’ said Mr Han.

Alvin Tay, Editor of The Business Times, said that ChildAid talents also serve as good role models.

‘Singapore has many outstanding young musicians who want to help. They motivate the many children we support at the BT Budding Artists Fund,’ said Mr Tay.

The BT Budding Artists Fund, initiated by The Old Parliament House Limited and adopted by The Business Times in 2005, aims to give underprivileged children an opportunity to nurture their artistic talent, be it in art or music.

Resorts World at Sentosa has been ChildAid’s cash sponsor for the last two years, contributing $10,000 per year. So far this year, its contribution has amounted to $153,000, including the cost of the production crew, staff and venue.

Resorts World at Sentosa will also be rendering its expertise in stage production and choreography.

An agreement has also been signed for ChildAid artistes to perform at the resort for a minimum of two years. And for the first time, ChildAid 2009 will be a three-night event instead of the usual two.

Said Mr Khoo: ‘Last year we raised $506,000. Although we are in a challenging environment this time round, we hope to better this amount.’

Two new sponsorship tiers have also been introduced, namely the Platinum in the $100,000-$199,999 range and the Diamond tier at $200,000 and above.

ChildAid invites corporate sponsors to contribute generously to the cause. All proceeds will go to the charities and are tax-exempt.