The Big Ball raises over $200,000 for region's underprivileged children

The committee headed by Barry Kirsch of BKP Music said the amount generated would be used to support the education of underprivileged children through UNICEF (the Adopt-A-School programme in Lebanon) and the children of the Dubai Autism Centre.

The who's who of the media, creative and entertainment industries, including important personalities and corporate entities gathered in a glittering evening, that also included a performance by Nancy Ajram, and showed their overwhelming support for the outreach initiative. More pledges of financial assistance or other forms of support were made on the night of the event, and expected to boost further the donations raised thus far.

"The response has been heart-warming and shows once again that there are many people in Dubai who want to make a difference for social upliftment and change. This is a city of people driven not only by success, but also by compassion to make this world a better place for underprivileged children,"

said Barry Kirsch, one of the founding members of The Big Ball and head of BKP Music.

The Big Ball, presented by Blink Studios, is endorsed by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), International Advertising Association (IAA) and the Consulate General of Lebanon in Dubai, who will be lending their full support to this initiative.

"UNICEF is happy to partner for the second year with the Big Ball, an event that is becoming a wonderful tradition in Dubai that exemplifies a great spirit of giving and commitment to children's education. We are grateful to the organizers BKP and all the volunteers, sponsors, and guests that made the Big Ball possible. Thanks to them, underprivileged children will have a chance at better education and a better future,"

said Tarek Shayya, Chief of Fundraising and Partnership Gulf Area Office Dubai UNICEF.

The Big Ball donated $103,270 through sponsorships, donations, and auction proceeds from the 2007 event to the UNICEF-Adopt-A-School Programme in Lebanon. The money was allocated to rehabilitate Al-Abdeh Mixed Public School in Akkar and to provide clean water, sanitation facilities to all the children in addition to training and capacity building programmes for all its' teachers.

"Indeed, we are grateful to the "Big Ball" philanthropic initiative in encouraging corporate social responsibility amongst a vital and influential sector known for its trend setting. We invite the media to join us in spreading awareness and in fundraising to support children with autism, their families and caretakers. There is no humanitarian mission superior to that of empowering children with special needs. The funds raised will particularly help us improve our assessment and diagnostic unit services,"

said Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General and Board Member of Dubai Autism Centre.

Big Ball 2008 is proud to be presented by Blink Studios and sponsored by Gold Sponsor: Platinum Corporation, Silver Sponsors: enjaz, therightslawyers, Cache, GMMOS; Media Sponsors: Dubai TV and 7Days; Event Production Sponsor: Action Impact; Creative Sponsor: LeoBurnett, PR Partner: TRACCS, and supported by BKP Studios and African & Eastern.