START Charity Gala Dinner 2008

Dubai, UAE,16th March 2008 – It’s that exciting time of year again, when the international jet – set and art lovers descend upon Dubai for Art Dubai. Record numbers of visitors are expected to attend Art Dubai this year, as this week of art sales and networking parties becomes a must for art enthusiasts around the world. Art Dubai will be open on the 17th March with a sensational Gala dinner for Art Dubai’s associated charity – START.

START was founded by the Al Madad Foundation and Art Dubai in 2007 and was aimed at using art as a medium to empower and educate disadvantaged youth in the Middle East. Over the past year START has initiated projects for children and young adults in Lebanon and the UAE including weekly art classes and workshops for those with special needs, art internships for students and the successful ‘Give Dubai a Hug’ day that saw over 50 families painting for charity.

Last year the Gala Night that launched the START programme, saw philanthropists bid in excess of 7000,000 AED at auctioning for items that included paintings and diamonds which was directed by Christies. At this year’s auction, Dubai Eye’s Siobhan Leydon and Lisa Ball Lechgar, hosts of the ever popular 'The edge' show, will be getting guests excited about bidding for luxury items and raising much needed funds for more education with children in the Middle East. Guests will have the opportunity to bid for the sponsorship of START’s new projects, including work in Lebanon, Jordon and the UAE, as well other rare and precious items.

The spirit of the Gala night reflects everything that is fun and youthful about START, Art Dubai and the Al Madad Foundation. Highlights of the evening include; rising stars and one of Dubai's favourite Bands 'Abri', who will play their latest soul and funk sounds, live artworks created on-site will leave philanthropists in awe, and the live DJ performance interpreting the beautiful images created by the children START has worked will no doubt impress our patrons of the arts who have paid 1,000 USD per ticket: quite a heady mix. by Lassad Mettouri.

“The Past year has been an exciting and successful one for us. We are looking forward to the START Charity Gala Dinner, which will give us the opportunity to communicate what we do and hopefully create a greater understanding of the importance of our work and the difference it makes to the live of the children we reach. This event will reflect the fun and energetic spirit of START,” said Sonia Brewin the director of START.

The START Charity Gala Dinner marks the beginning of one of Dubai’s most prestigious weeks, Art Dubai. Event promises to be a moving and engaging one, where guests will be able to show their support for this special charity as well be apart of this glamorous evening.

The night is set to raise thousands for an outstanding programme that supports the education and empowerment of the younger generation in the Middle East by giving them a voice through the universal expression of art.