Christmas Party – Taj Lands End, Bandra Bandstand
It’s Christmas time again and it’s that time of the year when we are all set to party. As always, IASAP plans a Christmas Party every year. This year, the theme for the party was ‘The Mad Hatters Tea Party’, hosted by Taj Lands End, Bandra at their Garden View Hall, on Sunday 22nd December, 2013 from 2.30 pm onwards.
Most members showcased their creativity by presenting themselves wearing innovatively decorated and colourful hats. Some took a lot of effort to intricately design their hats, which was a delight to witness.
The party had a mix of fun, frolic, games and dance, and of course as soon as we entered we were served mockails, juices and starters. The huge Buffet of sumptuous spread of snacks and desserts was a treat one would not want to miss, which was as good as having lunch or dinner
Yvonne, our President, welcomed everyone and especially thanked the host, Ms. Birgit Zorniger, GM of Taj Lands End, and Past President - Pansy Reilly for almost everything that went into making this party a super success and also for getting us most of the gifts.
Our Compere for the evening, Selma D’silva, captained the Indian Hockey Team at the World Cup in 1983 got the Gold Medal at the Asian Games in 1982, Represented the Indian Olympics in 1980 and got The Padma Shri Award in 1981 then took over (She filled in for Past President - Betty Kent who gave us the theme - Mad Hatter's Tea Party, and who was to Compere the evening but could not make it as she met with an accident). Selma ensured that everyone participated in the games and made sure we all had a fantastic time.
The party began with some games followed by cake cutting by Santa and the GC committee members. Janice Braganza played the guitar and we sang some Christmas songs. There was a ramp walk (though the ramp was missing) for all the ‘Hatters’. The best decorated hats won a Britannia hamper, each. The judge for the contest was Mr. Vikas Parimoo from The Taj Lands End. We had four winners - Cynthia Drego, Ketty Engineer, Donna Pinto & Yvonne Alphonso. Congrats to you all once again.
A number of the members danced to the beat of some nice music. Lots of spot prizes!!! This was followed by the all time favourite game of Housie. There were prizes aplenty – Laptop Bags, Cadbury chocolates, Kingfisher beer bottles, and many more ......
The highlight of the evening was our Secret Santa, all lively and bubbling with energy to keep the crowd excited. The secret was finally revealed - Santa Mama was none other than our very own Past President - Shera Langrana.
Past President Moti Vazifdar along with President Yvonne inaugurated the December 2013 issue of the NEWSLETTER ‘The Professional Secretary'.
As every year, in the midst of frivolity, members were invited to turn the spotlight on the less fortunate and be generous. The collection box was passed around. This year, the donation will go towards the Charitable works of KRIPA FOUNDATION,
Past President - Mrs. Zelma Lazarus, CEO of Impact India Foundation addressed members about the good work done by Impact India Foundation, their projects, Life Line Express (Hospital on wheels) where lots of surgeries are done and medical aid given to those who cannot afford in villages and small towns, Community Health Initiatives where thousands of disabled get treated free of cost, etc. She concluded by singing a song to the tune of Sweet Violets, before circulating the Impact India Donation box.
The party wound up with a Vote of Thanks by me to our generous host Taj Lands End, Our Compere - Ms. Selma D'Silva, PRIZE Sponsors - Blue Dart Express, Lawrence & Mayo, Cadbury, Britannia, Kingfisher beers, Forbes and, ALL YOU SPORTING MEMBERS, who made the party a success……
SUNITA JAMES
Governing Council Member
TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICALS