2003 YMCA Grand Gala Charity Ball
(Tokyo Weekender - June 6, 2003)

On Friday, April 11, the British Embassy opened its doors, and its heart, for a Spring Gala Charity Ball - hosted by Sir Stephen Gomersall, he Ambassador of the United Kingdom, and Lady Gomersall, in co-sponsorship with the YMCA Foreign Community Supporting Committee (FCSC).

This year's ball continued the YMCA/FCSC's tradition of elegant embassy charity events to raise funds for the YMCA Chalenged Children Project, which supports local camps and programs for mentally and physically challenged children throughout the country.
 

Guests at the YMCA Spring Sale Charity Ball

The event consisted of a Champagne cocktail reception (generously donated by Emmanuel Pratt, LVMH - Moet Hennessy Lous Vuitton (Japan)), a buffet-style dinner (with superb food on offer from the gracious hosts), dancing to the sounds of The Scratch, and an exciting raffle. The latter included airline tickets from Cathay Pacific and JAL, hotel accommodation in executive uites at five-star hotels, and dinner at some of the finest restaurants.

Fine wines, kindly donated by John McCarthy, the Ambassador of Australia, and Phillip Gibson, the Ambassador of New Zealand continued to flow throughout the evening.

With more than JPY 5million raised from the evening, going directly to support young people through camps and programs across Japan, it was another highly successful evening.

Established under the National Council of YMCAs of Japan in 1958 - to support and raise awareness of YMCA activities - the YMCA/FCSC is a voluntary group of ambassadors, serving as honorary chairmen, top international business, community and social leaders, and celebrities who desire to give back to society.