Emirates NBD auctions trip for two to Royal Ascot 2009 for charity

The star-studded dinner event was a curtain raiser to the much-anticipated fourth edition of the Legends 'Rock' Dubai tennis event, which took place from 19th to 22nd November at The Aviation Club. Emirates NBD is the title sponsor of the event that is organized by Delwood Consultancy Services. The Gala Dinner gave Emirates NBD the opportunity to satisfy its customers by having dinner in the company of such luminaries of the tennis world such as former world number one Jim Courier, former Wimbledon Champion Goran Ivanisevic, two time French Open Champion Sergi Bruguera and former doubles world number one and 2007 The Legends 'Rock' Dubai Champion, Paul Haarhuis.

A number of key figures from Emirates NBD, including CEO Rick Pudner, Suvo Sarkar, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Retail Banking, and Mike Solimani, the Head of Priority Banking and SME, were present at the event.

Rick Pudner, the CEO of Emirates NBD, said:

"We have always tried to go an extra yard to ensure that our customer service goes beyond banking, and this charity dinner is an extension of that philosophy. The Legends 'Rock' Dubai is an event that transcends sport, and having a charity dinner to launch this tournament is the perfect beginning to the fun-filled days ahead."

The fact that there were a host of living legends together under one roof did not overshadow the main aim of the dinner, which was to lend a helping hand to the less privileged. As the main sponsor of the event, Emirates NBD auctioned a trip for two to the Royal Ascot in June 2009, with accommodation and airfare included. The proceeds of the auction, held by Christie's, were donated to the two official tournament charities, Dubai Autism Center and Dubai Center for Special Needs.

"Having a host of affluent customers under one roof gave them an opportunity not just to network on a personal basis with the players, but also the chance to give back something to society and the less-privileged. Supporting charitable causes has always been high on the bank's agenda, and this event is a reflection of our concerted efforts," commented Suvo Sarkar.

While those present at the dinner did have a night to remember, it was clear that the biggest winners of the night were the many unknown beneficiaries at the Dubai Center for Special Needs and Dubai Autism Centre, whose cause Emirates NBD to continue to be a champion.