Annual Charity Dinner – 2024
NuLife Counselling marks 22 Years of Service with our 2nd Annual Charity
Fundraising Dinner
On October 12, 2024, NuLife held its second annual Charity Fundraising Dinner at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. This momentous occasion brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Board and committee members, staff, clients, volunteers, and distinguished guests. The evening celebrated NuLife’s unwavering commitment to mental health and wellness, while also marking a remarkable milestone – 22 years of dedicated service to the community.
In line with the tradition established for the inaugural dinner, the Charity Fundraising Dinner was scheduled in conjunction with the celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024, to highlight the continuing need for mental health education, awareness, and advocacy to break invisible barriers and bring conversations about mental health centrestage. We were delighted to welcome 260 guests to a spectacular evening focused on raising awareness of mental health issues and underscoring NuLife’s efforts in providing comprehensive support to those who approached us for assistance in their most vulnerable moments. Among the opening highlights was an impassioned performance by young talent, Izabelle, who thrilled the audience with her impeccable rendition of La Llorona and Emotions.
NuLife took the opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to its loyal supporters, presenting tokens and certificates of appreciation to long-standing donors, volunteers, staff, and key stakeholders who have contributed significantly to the charity’s growth over the past two decades. Two exceptional donors were invited on stage to receive special recognition: Mahesh Shahani, NuLife’s largest individual donor and Ronak Shah, CEO of QBE Insurance, Singapore, a significant corporate donor in 2024. A poignant video tribute honored Mohamed Abdul Jaleel, CEO of MES Group, a steadfast advocate and dedicated donor to NuLife.
The evening’s programme also included two poignant client videos, showcasing the comprehensive support NuLife provides to its clients. A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt fireside chat, skilfully facilitated by emcee Paul Foster. In an intimate and deeply personal conversation, Paul engaged with Jaisilan and Meera, who courageously shared their stories on stage. Both individuals had received unconditional support and guidance from NuLife’s CEO, Sheena Jebal, in her capacity as a helping professional, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to providing care and compassion beyond its formal client services. Jaisilan, a medical professional and NUS medical school alumnus, courageously shared his journey with bipolar disorder, which he was diagnosed with during his studies. Meera, a bereaved mother, poignantly recounted the heartbreaking loss of her six-month-old baby, Adam, to a congenital birth defect during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to pandemic restrictions, Meera faced the traumatic experience of Adam’s illness and hospitalisation alone. Both Jaisilan and Meera have utilised social media platforms to chronicle their struggles, shatter the silence surrounding mental health, and foster open discussions on this often-stigmatised topic. Through their shared experiences, they have highlighted the highs and lows of their healing journeys, emphasising the vital need for compassion and reiterating the powerful message that no one needs to suffer alone. The evening’s festivities were further elevated by several memorable highlights. Master auctioneer Shaun McEwan skillfully facilitated a thrilling auction, while father-daughter duo Mel Ferdinands and Gabrielle Evelena delivered a captivating live performance.
In her address, CEO Sheena Jebal shed light on the importance of mental wellness, outlined NuLife’s strategic vision for 2025, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Trustees for their selfless dedication, foresight, and passion for service.
The evening’s programme was bookended by poignant speeches from Fundraising Chairperson Reeta Ronnie Sabnani, who warmly welcomed guests, and Fundraising Committee Vice-Chairperson Sarindar Pal Kaur Frost, who delivered a heartfelt closing address.
A heartfelt thank you to VZ Solutionz for their exceptional audio-visual expertise, which seamlessly elevated the evening’s programme. Special accolades also go to DJs Kamal and Chandan Mahtani, who electrified the atmosphere, getting guests to take to the dance floor and ignite the night with their energetic moves.
The NuLife Charity Fundraising Dinner 2024 was a testament to the power of community and compassion. As we celebrate 22 years of service, we are reminded that mental health support is more crucial than ever. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors, the courage of our clients, and the dedication of our team. Together, we will continue to break down barriers, foster open conversations, and provide holistic support to those who need it most. Thank you to everyone who made this evening possible.
