Landmark Group's charity event a runaway success

Proceeds from the charity concert were donated to Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre (RPTC) - a Dubai-based humanitarian organisation providing quality education and therapy services to children with special needs. His Excellency Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Acting Chairman of RPTC, was the chief guest at the concert.

While Landmark Group's CSR Department donated AED 100,000 to the RPTC, guests at the concert also contributed generously to the noble cause. Standard Chartered Bank, one of the Landmark Group's lead bankers, also contributed to the cause. The funds will be used to build an auditorium to provide gymnasium facilities, drama and arts therapy for underprivileged children at RPTC.

The one-hour concert, held on May 25th at Centrepoint Theatre - Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) in Mall of the Emirates, commenced with a three-minute AV film which narrated the appalling condition of humanity around the globe today. The film then traversed to the UAE and showcased images and great work done by RPTC. The film also provided a glimpse of the humanitarian efforts undertaken by Landmark International Foundation for Empowerment (LIFE), set up in India in 2000 by Mr Micky Jagtiani, Group Chief Executive Officer of Landmark.

Talking about the success of the concert, Mr Jagtiani said: "The success of 'Lahan Al Hayat...Lyrics for Life' has far outstripped our expectations. The noble cause not only tugged at heart-strings but also opened up the purse-strings. The impromptu and generous contributions of our patrons and guests are highly commendable and I wish to thank all of them for providing a helping hand to RPTC. Personally for us, the success is a manifestation of the Landmark Group's belief in philanthropy for the benefit of the community."

He added: "We at Landmark Group have always believed in building a culture of giving and engaging the hearts and minds of our children to improve the quality of life in our communities.This is just the beginning and the success of this concert will inspire us for similar initiatives in the future."

Thanking the Landmark Group, Ms Mariam Othman, the RPTC Directress, said: "We would like to thank the support by Landmark Group as also the guests who contributed liberally towards the cause. Landmark Group has always set a very high standard of excellence in good corporate citizenship and we wish to continue our association in the future. I am thankful to everyone who has contributed to the success."

The concert encompassed a vast array of dance and songs presented by Kenya-based NGO 'Action in Focus'. This included a stunning performance by twin duo Martin and Michael McNally, who rendered the famous song 'Malaika' in Kenyan Swahili. A medley of songs by Florence Moulding in both English and Arabic, left all gathered wanting for more. The audience also witnessed a brilliant performance by Dubai Drums, led by Julie Ann, which left them spell bound.

Following the mesmerising performance, children from the Landmark family took centre stage and presented a cheque of AED 100,000 to the children of RPTC. The event culminated with a poignant Vote of Thanks by 15-year-old Alia Fikree from RPTC.

Run under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Airline, RPTC provides a holistic multi-disciplinary approach to special education, ensuring that international standards of excellence in education and therapy are maintained at every level.

The Landmark Group joined hands with the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre in thanking Partnership Advertising, Tattoo 360...a leading digital agency, Radisson SAS & Rainbow Printing Industries (RPI) for all their support and efforts in making the event a grand success.