AWARE’s annual fundraiser, the Crystal Ball, was a record-breaking success this year! We raised more than $250,000, and with donation-matching from the government, the total rises to more than $550,000 to support AWARE’s programmes and services.

Held at the Regent Hotel on 25 August, the Crystal Ball was sponsored by KOP Properties, Bengawan Solo, Performance Motors, Bayview Hotel and TOTE Board, and attended by more than 400 friends and supporters of AWARE.

It was a night of great food and exceptional entertainment – all for a good cause! AWARE was happy to be joined by Singapore’s hottest band, the Sam Willows, as our opening act for the night, kicking the night off to a great start with two hit songs.

Everyone’s favourite act, the Chestnuts returned to the Ball this year, bringing the house down with their hilarious spoofs of this year’s nominees for the Alamak! Award (our annual “tribute” to the most jaw-dropping sexist instance of the year).

Their comical take on our spectacular nominees left everyone in stitches. They saved the best for last – Jonathan Lim of the Chesnuts made a surprise visit as the “winner” of the Alamak! Award, Dr Lim Tit Meng of Science Centre, come to collect his prize.

We also announced the recipients of the AWARE Awards 2014 – Singapore’s only gender equality awards. Extraordinary activists Vanessa Ho and Theo Chen were named Young Activists of the Year, while PAVE won Anti-Violence Champion and WongPartnership was named Corporate of the Year.

More details about the winners is available here.

The Crystal Ball also saw the launch of AWARE’s first crowdfunding campaign. We are trying to raise $30,000 for the Sexual Assault Care Centre by 10 October. All amounts matter, so please donate generously and share this campaign with your friends and family.

These annual fundraisers are a great opportunity for us to reconnect with old supporters and spread our message to new ones. It is only with the contributions of our supporters and sponsors that we are able to carry on our work for gender equality in Singapore, and the turnout at the Crystal Ball was outstanding.

Thank you all, very much, for supporting AWARE. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for photos from the event!