Hi folks, 
It’s that time of the year again, full of excitement as FTTH launches Passion Ball 2009. It was hard work for the organisers – ask the ChairLady, Olga and Ain – but it was something to be remembered and cherished for both the attendees and the organisers, for another wonderful and creative night.
This year, Passion Ball 2009 was held at Capella Singapore, probably the newest hotel in Singapore, on Sat 11 Apr 09. A storm had just passed Singapore and as we descended through the drive into the darkened narrow road leading through lined trees in Sentosa, we saw a grand building welcoming us, all lighted. Was this formerly the barracks? Alas we have to wait for another day to check it out.
A book of dreams, a fairy tale? awaited us. From all these years of PassionBall, we know the hallmark of Olga’s organisation of the Ball, tip top! From a feast to the eyes right to the palate. Despite the gloomy weather – be it nature or the economy – Olga reported that the supporters of Food from the Heart have responded generously in coming again to join in this Passion Ball. Proceeeds from the Passion Ball is one of the important pillars that help sustain FFTH activities. It was a book well written. All the characters were in place and as each chapter unfolded, the scene came into play. Gosh, am I being carried away? (^^)
Well, each table now did not go according to table number or chapter number! Beautiful and handsome faces, gorgeous clothings heightened up the evening, complemented with the set up and the animated paintings on the screens on all sides of the oval ballroom. The DJ of the night, Terry Johnson, further enriched the night with his commentaries, his teasing and his drawing out the crowd to gel the night into a big party. The night was set as the crowd welcomed the Guest of Honour, Mrs. Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports, who had graciously agreed to grace the occasion. While we enjoyed each dish placed in front of us, Miles Tranter and the United World College Jazz Band entertained us with great jazz hits.
Appreciation of food – sight and taste – complemented with sounds was just almost complete! With the main course being served, it was time for the auction. This year’s auction has a wider spread, a spa stay in South Africa to one in Hua Hin, Thailand and in Bali too; stay in Capella Hotel in Austria and Germany, necklace and Judith Lieber Bag and the most interesting one must be the travel by private jet (BJETS) for 6 persons to Langkawi for a dinner on a private beach and then back. 
The generous bidding added more for the FFTH’s coffer for the year’s operations. The biggest attraction must be the performance by Evgeny and Sabrina, specially flown in by Lufthansa. Their performance are beyond words, maybe, a few snapshots might give you an idea. (^^) Sarbrina’s handling of the hula loops is just incredible. She made it as if it is a childplay. Evgeny, who has been performing with well known companies such as Cirque du Soleil, made juggling with the soft circular boards whilst standing on a ladder like a simple routine. We know too well the skills required.In between the performance, we had four beautiful models – almost like from the fairy tales – moving in puppetry motions bathed in soft lights that even made my photopraphs look like paintings! 
Perhaps, with great food, great company, music and performance, and yes, the champagne and the wonderful red wine, I might have been carried away being too lyrical, but I thought I want to share with you a little of what I saw and telling you that while these people were enjoying themselves, they were also contributing towards FFTH keeping it running smoothly for yet another year. A challenging year for most people!
Passion Ball 2009 has successfully raised a total of $225,000 nett.
To Christine and Henry, Olga, Ain and the FFTH Team, with the volunteers who also worked in this Passion Ball, another great and successful event capped! Not to forget the sponsors who have stuck with us despite challenging times.
Victor Yue Board Member, FFTH Singapore
