'Big names' courted for Japan aid concert
Organisers of the Love Aid Phuket fundraiser, planned for April 2, hope to make it the biggest such event in Phuket's history, with all funds going to Japanese eartthquake and tsunami victims.
Monday 21 March 2011, 08:31AM
A beachside variety event promising international acts is planned for April 2 at Karon Park, to raise money for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Organisers say they hope the event will attract thousands, to make it the biggest live fund-raising event yet held on Phuket.
Core organizer Edgardo Tanael, F&B boss of the Kata Beach Resort, declined to reveal which acts will play at the event, but said, “We are in talks with several big-name acts. We have had many positive responses from well-known international bands and performers. They are all very keen to take part and we are finalizing some details.”
Kata Group Resorts and the Centara Grand Beach Resort have confirmed they will support the event, and there are said to be similar pledges from other major hotels in Phuket, all donating time and resources free of charge.
“Everyone involved is giving 100 per cent for Japan to ensure as much money as possible goes directly to those who need it most,” said Mr Tanael.
More than a week after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded caused a devastating tsunami and wiped out whole communities in the area of Sendai, Japan, thousands of people are still without basic essentials such as food, water, shelter or electricity.
Also backing the event is the Patong Rotary Club, whose committee chairman Brad Kenny said, “Funds generated from Love Aid Phuket will be funneled through the Rotary Club of Patong Beach to Rotary International Clubs in Japan that are already active in the devastated areas.
“All Rotary Clubs are 100 per cent volunteers which means that every satang of any donation through Love Aid Phuket will go direct to disaster victims in Japan.”
He added, “The world opened their hearts to us in Phuket when the 2004 Tsunami hit, and the people of Phuket have a much bigger and better heart because of that experience.
“Through this event we are opening our hearts for the people of Japan who will now go through a situation just as difficult as we in Phuket experienced, and for many years to come.
“The people of Phuket understand the challenges in reconstructing not just buildings but, more importantly, hope in the future.”
Love Aid Phuket tickets will be priced at B100, with all food and drink items priced at B100. Alternatively, a B1,000 ticket will include free food and drink. Ticket sales locations will be announced at a later date.
Love Aid Phuket memorabilia will also be on sale, including T-shirts and music CDs.
For updates visit www.loveaidphuket.org. For more information and enquiries email LoveAidPhuket@yahoogroups.com
