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More than SGD$1 million was raised to benefit vulnerable families and children, youths at-risk, seniors and persons with special and healthcare needs
It was a simple dream to touch those in need in every part of Singapore, and now 30 years later, Touch Community Services has an integrated network of services located across various touch points in Singapore, building a community where everyone can be someone.
And this would not have been possible without its dedicated staff—and their drive to keep going—as well as the support of its partners and donors who believe in its work, according to Touch Community Services founder and chairman Lawrence Khong, at the Dare to Dream Charity Gala, which was held on September 23 at The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore.
In celebration of Touch’s 30 years of serving the community, the gala was graced by guest of honour Desmond Lee, the minister for national development and minister-in-charge of social services integration, and brought together its corporate patrons, community partners and supporters, as well as its beneficiaries, with the aim to build on its foundation for future generations to thrive. This vision to uplift and deliver positive impact is encapsulated in its anniversary tagline, “Inspiring Hope, Transforming Lives”.
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Lisa Tan, James Tan, Kavin Seow, Desmond Lee, Lawrence Khong, Nina Khong
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Themed Dare to Dream, and co-curated by events planner extraordinaire, Olga Iserlis of the Adagio Events, the gala was a treat for all the senses. For one, the menu for the evening was curated after the four elements of dreams: water, air, fire and earth. The evening also saw the unveiling of the Papilionanda Touch Triginta orchid hybrid in celebration of Touch’s 30th anniversary, alongside the screening of The Human Touch, a special anniversary short film directed by filmmaker Roslee Yusof, depicting a vision where while new technology can improve lives, the future should also include humanity and heart in serving the community.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Touch beneficiaries were invited to present tokens of appreciation to its patrons and sponsors seated around the room, before pianist Julian Gargiulo, a Steinway artist, who is also known as the Pianist with the Hair, rounded off the evening with a riveting performance of classical masterpieces in his signature informal and humorous style.
The more than $1 million raised from the evening will benefit the more than 200,000 lives served by Touch and its work among vulnerable families and children, youths at-risk, seniors and persons with special and healthcare needs.
As Senior Editor of Tatler Singapore, Hashirin champions and refines the storytelling across platforms—curating and crafting compelling profiles, cover stories and features that spotlight visionaries shaping culture, business and impact. Driven by curiosity, she draws inspiration from the artists, changemakers and trailblazers she encounters through her work. Beyond the pages of Tatler, she is an avid supporter of local theatre and delights in seeking out art in every city she visits.
