As we celebrate our 22nd anniversary with our annual Tatler Ball, it’s good to recall how the spirit of giving back has become such an integral part of the festivities
Our first Tatler Ball was held in September 2002. We were then caught up in challenging times, with the business climate far from ideal. Adding a fundraising element to the Ball would be most appropriate. One rarely gets to address one’s guests at a high-profile event and appeal to them to make a difference collectively.
So, a tradition was born, one that we are immensely proud of and take very seriously. The Tatler Ball will always be a night of celebration, but it is also an evening where we raise funds by carefully selecting one beneficiary per year. The funds come through a mix of voluntary donations from our guests, the proceeds from our Charity Auction, plus what Tatler donates in cash to get the gifts going.
All the donations are made in the beneficiary’s name, and Tatler underwrites Ball expenses. This ensures that 100 per cent of donations reach the beneficiary intact.
Over the last 21 years, we have had beneficiaries like WWF Philippines, Operation Smile, the Child Protection Network Foundation, MovEd, U-Go, the PGH cancer unit for advanced breast cancer treatment, and Bantay Kalikasan, among other very worthy causes to champion. This year, we focus on helping disabled people through Project Inclusion Network (PIN).
