Gourmet Abu Dhabi And Make-A-Wish Join Forces For Landmark Anniversaries

For its landmark fifth anniversary, Gourmet Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s annual culinary festival, has partnered the UAE’s Make-A-Wish® Foundation, which is celebrating its own 10th anniversary this year.

As part of the 16-day haute cuisine festival, which runs February 5-20, a one-off, ladies-only Charity Dinner will be held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif Al Nahyan on 9 February at Emirates Palace – one of the UAE capital’s most opulent hotels.

Two Michelin-starred, Italian-Argentine masterchef, Mauro Colagreco – the first non-French chef to be awarded ‘Chef of the Year’ by the prestigious Gault & Millau restaurant guide and executive chef and owner of the prestigious Mirazur restaurant in Merton, Cote D’Azur - will prepare the evening’s sumptuous five-course fare.

All ticket sale profits from the exclusive, 90-person dinner, as well as proceeds from a silent auction, will go to the Make-A-Wish® Foundation – a non-profit charity dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

“Gourmet Abu Dhabi has a long-standing tradition of supporting charitable causes and we always look to give something back to the local community. We wanted to do something extra special for our anniversary event and this exclusive ladies-only evening with the renowned culinary talents of Chef Mauro fits the bill,” said Noura Al Dhaheri, Leisure Products Development Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the festival organiser.

Building on the global charity phenomenon which has reached over 300,000 children in 47 countries worldwide, the UAE branch of Make-A-Wish® was established in 2003, now under the leadership of Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif Al Nahyan Make-A-Wish® UAE has granted the wishes of over 600 children.

“Our goal this year is to grant more wishes to more children, to do that we are focusing on expanding our network base and building strategic partnerships in the community, events such as Gourmet Abu Dhabi not only help us raise funds but also helps us reach out to more community members.” said Hani Al Zubaidi, CEO Make-A-Wish® UAE.
Reem Al Fahim, Board Director, Make-A-Wish® Foundation UAE, who added the feel-good factor of granting wishes can go far beyond putting a temporary smile on a child’s face.

“Our wish-granting experiences are often the happiest days in the lives of our wish children, there is ample evidence highlighting how children’s morale improves after the wish granting, they feel rejuvenated and better able to combat their illness. Everyone who takes part in the wish granting is aware of the magical power of a wish. It truly brings strength, happiness and joy to everyone involved.”

One recent UAE wish recipient, Zayed, from Delma Island, is a case in point. Little Zayed on a recent trip to Abu Dhabi was surprised by the Make-A-Wish® team, who had a small party for him and granted his wish for an electric car.

“He was at hospital all day and was very tired” said Zayed’s father, Mohammed Al Hammadi. “When he saw his electric car and the party cake his eyes lit up with excitement. He was very happy.”

Ali is another example of a child who recently was struck by the magic of a wish when he was granted his wish of having a Havanese puppy. He was ecstatic to meet his new best friend.

Tickets to the Make-A-Wish® Charity Dinner, which is supported by Gourmet Abu Dhabi beverage partners, S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, are priced at AED1,000 and strictly limited. To register your interest or book tickets go to: www.gourmetabudhabi.ae.
 

Emirate:  Abu Dhabi

Date: Jan 21, 2013

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