A spellbinding event for the environment

The School of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Management (SHTLM), Sunway University organised a charity dinner recently to raise funds and awareness for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia as part of the B.Sc (Hons) International Hospitality Management students’ assignment. The dinner was held at SHTLM’s training restaurant and supported by the newly renovated kitchen which was done in accordance with Le Cordon Bleu’s specifications.

Furthermore, the theme of this event was inspired by the musical film, Burlesque (2010) which was directed by Steven Antin and starred Christina Aguilera and Cher. Therefore, to truly bring out the essence of the theme, Viva Vertical, which specialises in pole dancing, agreed to perform for the event on a goodwill basis. In addition, Ryan de Alwis from MIX FM was also invited to emcee for that night.

Among the guests who were present, were the Executive Director of Sunway Education Group, Ms. Elizabeth Lee, and Youth Outreach Executive from WWF Malaysia, Mr. Brandon Liu. Ms. Anisha Chai, the Head of SHTLM said, “It is a meaningful activity as it was not only fulfilling the academic requirements but it was a community responsibility project as well.”

This event was entirely planned and executed by a team of 15 students under the supervision of the Head of Food and Beverage, Mr. Daniel Chong. He said, ”This event facilitates students to put operation management theories into practice, from conceptualisation to execution.”

“A Spellbound Enchanted Evening with Wonderful Performances”, was the tagline of this dinner and it was beyond doubt achieved by this group of students as each of the guests left with a wide smile on their faces. Besides the breathtaking performances by Viva Vertical, guests were also entertained by the hostess, who dressed identical to a character of the film.

Elizabeth Lee (centre) presenting the cheque to WWF-Malaysia’s Brandon Liu (left) as a representative from Viva Vertical (right) looks on.

A total of RM4,000 was channelled to WWF Malaysia from the event. The donations were collected from numerous companies and individuals. Besides that, merchandise sponsored by a few companies was used as door gifts and lucky draw prizes. “Thank you to the students and all the good-hearted people who contributed” said Liu.

Themed dinners like this are held mostly during the month of July and November every year, during the long semester periods which allow sufficient time for the students to plan, organise and execute these dinners successfully.