'The Big Ball' Dubai debut to release the potential of industry's resounding call

The gala evening, supported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the International Advertising Association (IAA) - UAE Chapter and Byblos Bank as presenting sponsor, is the first in a series of events that will generate much needed funding to support various charitable causes in the region.

The Big Ball 2007 will be the inaugural event of many to come and a lavish occasion attended by the Who's Who of Dubai and the region; underscoring the significance of the event as a major and exclusive social function not to be missed! An exciting auction will be taking place to generate funds for the cause, and promises a range of exclusive items to suit the diverse taste of the audience. The organising committee hopes its efforts will concretise in the long-term achievement of its mission and in the process win a wider involvement of people within the creative industry.

Founding members Barry Kirsch, Managing Director, Barry Kirsch Productions and Vishnu Gur, a senior marketer and noted events producer, believe the time is ripe for the marketing, production and communications sectors to give back to the community in return for the tremendous rewards gained in the last decade as a result of Dubai's impressive economic growth. In quite dramatic and emotional terms, The Big Ball founders say the event will be celebration of the indomitable power of the human spirit and its ability to move forward in the face of extreme hardship; as well as generate a genuinely positive feeling of well being among those who contribute and are a part of it.

Kirsch explained, "We wanted to have an event where we can pay tribute to the artistry and creativity of our peers in the industry, without having to compete for recognition. It's good to network with your colleagues in a nice, fancy setting. More importantly however, this event gives us the opportunity to help those in need. There are a number of charities in the region that help alleviate the plight of the poor and the oppressed. We want to help ease suffering in the region, and this is the best chance we have of making a difference. Creative professionals that we are, we will do it in the most imaginative and inspiring way possible."

The Big Ball's first project has been largely influenced by recent events in Lebanon and funds from the inaugural event have been exclusively committed to providing educational support to displaced families, particularly children, in Lebanon. "The decision to support education is also a strategic one, as education is an empowering tool to enlighten, bridge misunderstandings, and enable people, whatever their religion or race, to pursue their most cherished aspirations."

UNICEF representative, Omar Shehadeh commended the organising committee for conceptualising the event. "We are honoured to be working with such passionate and highly creative people. The problems that the Arab world faces are immense, but with a collectively creative and impassioned response such as The Big Ball, hope springs eternal."

Byblos Bank stated that sponsoring this event is a completion of its mission started earlier in Lebanon and which consists of a 3-year partnership with the UNICEF to help improve educational standards and facilities in public schools within the "Adopt a School" program.

Kirsch added that the top-tier media and marketing companies and executives had already pledged their support for this worthy cause and went on to say, "We have also received very enthusiastic responses from many organisations and the overwhelming support is expected to make the first Big Ball event a resounding success." Endorsement and support have already been given by Byblos Bank as presenting sponsor; Blink Studios as gold sponsor, therightslawyers, OctOpus, Real Image, and BKP Music as the silver sponsors. The event is endorsed by The Consulate General of Lebanon in Dubai.

The Big Ball 2007 committee consists of the prime movers of the advertising and related industries, including marketing, public relations, production and communications.