Cafe Ceramique's 'Art of Giving' charity auction on March 22

The auction, which intends to collect Dhs 75,000 for the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, is open to all. Guests include children and families from Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre as well as distinguished UAE citizens. The Art of Giving event, which is in its fourth year, aims to create greater awareness about the special needs children, as well as encourage their integration into normal society.

A majority of the ceramic pieces have been painted by the students of Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre. Alex Collier, who visited Cafe Ceramique recently, created a special memento using his signature cartoon characters as a contribution to the charity. Cafe Ceramique's in-house artist, Michael Suliguin, has also painted six pieces, including a unique portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashed Al Maktoum.

Prior to the event, the ceramic pieces painted by the students are on display until March 21, at Town Centre and Mercato malls on the Jumeirah Beach Road. Visitors are encouraged to bid for their favourite art piece through a silent auction at the malls and the display has already attracted 4,000 bids.

'The response from the general public has been overwhelming and we are happy that our cause is being embraced by one and all. As we have already received 4,000 bids, we expect the auction to be very tough. It is an encouraging sign and Café Céramique is optimistic that the amount raised will pass our benchmark figure of Dhs 75,000. We are also grateful to the various sponsors and generous individuals who have joined forces to help us in popularizing our cause and generating greater response,' says Rana Eid Denis, Founder & CEO of Cafe Ceramique International.

Commenting on the occasion Mrs. Mariam Othman, Director of Rashid Paediatric Centre said, 'I thank Cafe Ceramique and the staff for their initiative as a private body to provide support to Rashid Paediatric Centre by encouraging our students. This was a perfect opportunity for our students to create their own piece of art which reflects their ability to be effective participants and contributors to the community. The funds generated from the 'Art of Giving' event will help Rashid Paediatric Centre provide greater facilities and opportunities for our students.' Mrs Othman expressed her admiration for Cafe Ceramique, the first concept in the region that provides families with a great 'Eat-Tertainment' option. 'Cafe Ceramique is an excellent experience that brings families and friends together,' she added.

The first 200 persons who register for the Art of Giving event will receive gift packs and there are a series of raffle prizes for all participants. The choir from the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre will perform during the event and the two-hour programme includes Close-Up Magic (an interactive magic session by Felipe Scherson) and a performance by 'Little Charlie Chaplin.'

The Art of Giving event is being conducted through the support of Mercato and Town Center Jumeirah, Damas, NStyle International, Dubai Quality Group, Salam Group, Kaya Skin Clinic and Horeca. The numerous raffle prizes have been organized through the efforts of Sandra Advertising, Jebel Ali International Hotel, Giordano Junior, Bateel, Right Selection, Radio 1 & 2, Air Miles, Hertz and Shangri La hotel. A trip for two to Istanbul will be one of the prizes that will be auctioned for charity.