Record Sum raised for charity at 13th Emirates Singapore Derby

Dubai-based Emirates Airline raised the sum of Sin$179,000 for charity at the 13th Emirates Singapore Derby – one of Singapore’s most prestigious horseracing events.

Since the 8th Emirates Singapore Derby, title sponsor Emirates has been creating various initiatives to raise funds for charities in Singapore. To date, the airline has raised more than Sin$500,000 over the years.

This year, four voluntary welfare organisations under the umbrella of Community Chest of Singapore will benefit from the fundraising efforts. They are the Hospice Home Care Services, MINDS IDEA Employment Development Centre, the HELP Family Service Centre and Spastic Children's Association School.

Richard Vaughan, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, East Asia and Australasia, who had flown in especially to grace the event, said, "Emirates is deeply committed to sports sponsorship, both in the United Arab Emirates and around the world. We are proud to witness the growth and evolution of the Emirates Singapore Derby over the years, into one of the most established events on Singapore’s racing calendar. We are even more delighted to be able to contribute to the welfare of the local community where our sports tradition has flourished, through the platform of the Emirates Singapore Derby."

Close to 550 guests at the 13th Emirates Singapore Derby were encouraged to play their part for charity by purchasing “Pick and Win” contest coupons, where each coupon entitled guests to predict the winning horse in selected races. In addition, Emirates had earlier sold donation tables in the hospitality rooms to corporate and private sponsors, and also received outright donations from corporations and individuals.

Renowned Singaporean artist Francis Kwok also created a special painting, titled “Richly Blessed”, which was auctioned at the handsome sum of Sin$9,999.

Stephen Chu, Emirates' Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei, said, "We are elated to have successfully met our fundraising goal again this year. On behalf of Emirates, I would like to thank each and every one of our guests and donors for their tremendous support. Without them, we would not have been able to raise this handsome amount for charity. I would also like to convey my deepest appreciation to Francis Kwok, who has once again, put in so much time and effort to create his beautiful ‘Richly Blessed’ painting.”

In true Derby tradition, guests came dressed to impress in their best racing outfits topped with gorgeous hats, for a chance to win the coveted title of “Best Dressed for the Races”. This year's judges, Ms Eunice Olsen, Nominated Member of Parliament, Mr Christian Barker, Editor-in-chief of The Rake magazine and Ms Catherine Ng, General Manager of Affluent magazine, unanimously chose the stunning Ms Audrey Quek as most befitting of the title.

Ms Audrey Quek won for herself a pair of Emirates Business Class tickets to Melbourne and an Emirates Melbourne Cup Qualifying package, courtesy of the Victoria Racing Club, which includes 3 nights accommodation, and a chance to participate in the Cup’s renowned Fashion on the Fields contest.

Besides fun and fashion, the Emirates Singapore Derby is also known as a day of prize galore.

One lucky guest went home with a pair of Business Class ticket to Dubai, courtesy of Emirates, with three nights’ accommodation at the luxurious Raffles Dubai, courtesy of Raffles Hotels and Resorts, after accurately predicting the winning horses of the Emirates Singapore Derby.

Emirates also sent home another happy guest, who won an Economy Class ticket to Dubai in a special Bonus Draw.

Out at the public stands, one lucky racegoer walked away with two Economy Class tickets to Dubai and Sin$1000 cash prize, after accurately predicting the winning Derby horse in an SMS contest.

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