Mr Gusmao’s wife and Chair of the Alola Foundation, Kirsty Sword Gusmao, was the guest of honour at the dinner, which was also attended by the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Mr Paul Henderson, and many leading figures in the Darwin business community.
Sponsors for the event – which was held at the Timor Chinese Association Club - included the Northern Territory Government, Airnorth, Carlton United Breweries, Metcash, Darwin Airport Resort, Nivagi Homewares and the Jape Group.
The charity auction was conducted by Mr David Ley from Professionals Real Estate, who ensured that top prices were reached for all of the lots offered, including a pair of tickets to the Chief Minister’s Marquee at the V8 Supercars Sunday race day, a signed copy of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and books authored and autographed by Xanana Gusmao and Kirsty Sword Gusmao.
Alola Foundation CEO Teresa Verdial made a presentation about the organisation, which works with Timorese women and their communities toward the fulfilment of their social, economic, political and cultural aspirations. Guests were also entertained by a Timorese traditional dance group based in Darwin.
“I am grateful to the Jape Group for organising this fundraiser, which exceeded all expectations”, Sword Gusmao commented after the dinner, “I am so grateful for the generosity of all who supported the event and I assure you that the funds raised will be put to good use in strengthening the Alola Foundation’s programmes”.
For more information about the Alola Foundation, see: http://www.alolafoundation.org
Photos below:
Traditional Timorese dancers perform for the guests
Kirsty Sword Gusmao chats to NT Chief Minister Paul Henderson
Tony Jape with Alola Foundation CEO Alita Verdial
