Celebrating 40 Years of Impact: World Vision Singapore’s 40th Anniversary Charity Dinner

On 10th July 2024, World Vision Singapore commemorated its 40th Anniversary with a Charity Dinner themed “One Humanity, One Hope.” The event was a heartfelt celebration of four decades of transforming lives, attended by donors, partners, and supporters united in their commitment to uplifting vulnerable children worldwide.
 

A Culinary Journey of Hope

The guests were treated to a special menu curated by the renowned Chef Damian D’Silva, "the Grandfather of Heritage Cuisine" and the La Liste Artisan & Authenticity Award 2024 recipient. Chef Damian curated a special menu that not only delighted the palate but also presented the essence of World Vision’s mission through its ingredients:

• Seeds of Hope: This salad of grilled eggplant, burnt corn, green mango, and pomegranate pips with a mild chili lime dressing symbolized the vital nourishment provided to Ethiopian children during droughts, just like the essential maize porridge they rely on.
   
• Broth of Resilience: A rich pumpkin soup with caramelized onion and crispy seaweed-flavored rice represented the resilience of families in Myanmar and South Sudan. World Vision distributes vegetable seeds, including pumpkin and onion, helping displaced families grow their own food to nourish their children.
   
• Moringa Medley: Featuring moringa fruit with boneless chicken, moringa leaf with deep-fried chickpea, and Spanish mackerel served with turmeric rice, this dish highlights the nutritional support provided to Rohingya refugees in Bhasan Char, where World Vision combats malnutrition with nutritious meals.

Inspirational Stories and Heartfelt Speeches

Marilee Pierce Dunker: A Legacy of Compassion

 
Marilee Pierce Dunker, the daughter of World Vision’s founder, Dr. Bob Pierce, shared heartwarming reflections on her father's enduring legacy. As the Ambassador Emeritus for World Vision, Marilee has spent over two decades traveling to more than 40 countries, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of World Vision’s work. She spoke about her father’s unwavering dedication to serving the most vulnerable, a mission that began with his founding journey, chronicled in her book, "Man of Vision."

Marilee’s heartfelt speech emphasized the profound difference World Vision has made in millions of lives through community development, clean water initiatives, education, healthcare, and emergency relief. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the importance of continued support and compassion in the face of global challenges.

Jahniela Rose: A Journey of Hope and Aspiration

 
Jahniela, an 18-year-old from the Antique Area Programme in the Philippines, shared her inspiring journey from hardship to hope. Before World Vision came to uplift the community from the cycle of poverty, Jahniela’s family struggled to make ends meet and could not afford to send her to school. At the age of 10, Jahniela became a World Vision sponsored child. With the support of her sponsor from Singapore, she found hope and a renewed sense of purpose and strength.
Today, Jahniela is a child leader in her community and serves as the child representative on the Municipal Council for the Protection of Children in her town.

She is currently studying to become a pharmacist, driven by a passion to give back to her community and help those in need. Her story is a testament to the power of child sponsorship on transforming a child's life and the long-term impact to the community as sponsored children continue to build on the foundation of transformation. 

Ayeth L. Bregente: From Sponsorship to Advocacy

 
Ayeth, a former sponsored child, works as a Programme Officer with World Vision. She coordinates and facilitates the implementation of education programmes and community engagement projects. Growing up in a poor family and suffering from malnutrition, Ayeth’s life took a transformative turn when she became a sponsored child at the age of 5.

World Vision's support enabled Ayeth to continue her education and overcome malnutrition. Inspired by the organization’s impact on her life, she dreamed of working with World Vision even before finishing college. Today, Ayeth is dedicated to helping other children experience the fullness of life, just as she did. Her journey from a vulnerable child to a passionate advocate embodies the core mission of World Vision.
 

Charity Art Auction: Uniting for Good

A highlight of the evening was the Charity Art Auction, featuring stunning artworks by 20 sponsored children from the Selenge Area Programme in Mongolia. These young artists, having built their self-confidence through World Vision’s child development clubs, created pieces depicting their hopes for the future and their homeland. The proceeds from the auction will provide crucial support to children affected by conflict and natural disasters, helping to alleviate hunger, protect them from exploitation, and heal from trauma in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.

A Successful Night of Generosity

The evening concluded with a special performance by Jahniela Rose, singing "Touch The Sky" by Julie Fowlis, a song embodying the courage and determination that drives World Vision’s mission. The event raised close to $270,000 to support children affected by conflict. 

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 40 years of impactful work, we are deeply grateful to everyone who made this journey possible – our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and partners. 

The unwavering support of all these people has been the cornerstone of our success, and together, we will continue to bring hope and transformation to vulnerable children and communities for many more decades to come.

We invite you to join us in this mission of love and compassion. Your support can make a lasting impact on the lives of children in need. Together, we can create a brighter future, for children, for change, for life.