PIWC ready for annual Phuket ball

PHUKET: The Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) annual ball will take place on the night of November 13 at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa.

The PIWC has been hosting extravagant parties for more than 20 years to raise funds for its local scholarship program for needy students.

Under the exotic theme ‘One Night in Rio’, this year’s ball promises to be an unforgettable event featuring traditional Brazilian churrasco meat carvings and an array of other cuisine from the vibrant culture of South America.

The featured live auction prize will be round-trip tickets to Sao Paulo, kindly donated by Qatar Airways.

Other items that will go to the highest bidder include: a one week bareboat charter, compliments of Sunsail; a dinner for 20 people in the elegant wine room at TwinPalms; and art from Soul of Asia, Phuket’s premier art gallery.

“We always appreciate the generous support we receive from so many local businesses. Much of the funding we raise will come from both live and silent auction prizes, as well as raffle ticket sales. The Hilton has been very gracious to again donate their facilities and staff to help us support our scholarships for local students,” said PIWC President Wipa Tanmanatragul.

The PIWC currently sponsors almost 200 students through their scholarship program. Last year, 2.9 million baht in assistance was provided through the fund.

Many of the students have graduated and are now working and supporting their families thanks to the financial assistance they received. These include five nurses who work at Vachira Phuket Hospital, and many of the grateful scholarship recipients will assist in organizing the gala ball.

Wendy Stanford and Maggie Wigman have both been organizing costumes and decorations for the event as well as securing auction prizes.

“We will create the mood to lead you to Rio, a real Carnivale for our guests to have a great time,” Wendy said.

Helping to create the right atmosphere will be Latin cocktails and complimentary wines provided by Wine and Taste.

Some tickets for the highlight of Phuket’s social season are still available.

Contact Sue Arnulphy (087-277 6948) for more information.

The Phuket Gazette and PGTV are proud sponsors of this event.

— Bruce Stanley