Charity Night 2023: Hearts VS Spades

 On December 15, 2023, Friday, the LEO Club of Wesley Methodist School hosted its first Charity Night event in 5 years at HGH Convention Centre Sentul. The primary objective of this event was to raise funds for the community of people struggling with diabetes and to raise awareness about their challenges. Additionally, it aimed to instil a sense of teamwork, responsibility, and devotion among LEO members towards the club. The theme for this year’s event, ‘Hearts Vs Spades’, symbolises the relentless battle waged by warriors worldwide against the dreaded adversary of diabetes. 

Diabetes, a chronic affliction characterised by high sugar levels in the bloodstream, is no ordinary foe. As we unite under this captivating emblem, we shine a spotlight on the valiant struggles of those grappling to stabilise their blood glucose levels and continue to live another day. Failure to masterfully manage diabetes can jeopardise both the health and overall well-being of our society. Hence, the theme ‘Hearts Versus Spades’ encourages us to immerse ourselves in this struggle and intensify our efforts to gather vital funds and educate the community in support of these warriors of our society on their quest for a healthier and brighter future.

This event was organised by the Organizing Chairperson, LEO Brendan David Low, who was assisted by his Assisting Organising Chairpersons, LEO Joshua Ng Ky Shaun and LEO Ashley Chua Min Jia, together with their committee members LEO Eleanor Eng Yee Hui, LEO Lee Qi Zheng and LEO Un Jae Wen. 

The event commenced at 6:00 p.m. with guests arriving and registering themselves. At 6:40 p.m., the doors to the HGH Convention Centre’s Hall were opened, and ushers escorted guests to their seats. Attendees received door gifts, including a heartwarming card with their name and baby breaths. Distinguished guests, including Mr K S Subramaniam and Dr M Reuben from Diabetes Malaysia, Mr Wong Chee Kheon, Mdm Grace Niles, Lion Christina Foong, Lion Elessee Lai, Lion Shirene Chin, and Lion Wah Joon Cheong, were escorted by LEO Faculty Advisors Mr Naresh Manickavasagam, Mdm Devika Nagarajan, and Mr Ramanaesh Rao.

The event officially began at 7:15 p.m. with emcees introducing the theme through an opening skit. Lion Christina Foong called the meeting to order, giving her speech after the LEO and Lion members recited the LEO Pledge. The Principal of WMSKL(I), Mr Wong Chee Kheon, delivered an inspirational speech, followed by an animated skit by the Art Club on diabetes struggles. A nine-course dinner by HGH Convention Centre was served in intervals.

To kick off the evening's festivities, the Opening Performance, an exuberant and dynamic dance, was choreographed and performed by our school's esteemed Dance Club. This captivating presentation aimed to set the tone for an enchanting night ahead. Dressed in vibrant, eye-catching pink suits and dresses, the dancers moved gracefully to the rhythm of the song 'What is Love?'.

Sustaining the lively atmosphere, Lai Ern and Claire Liew, representing our school's Choir and Ensemble Club, mesmerized the audience with an enchanting singing performance. Accompanied by a soulful guitar solo, they delivered the opening song of the night, 'Until I Found You'. Following this, our talented LEO members, under the choreography of LEO Shannon Ong Shiang Leng, took center stage for the second dance performance of the evening, dancing to the beat of 'Feel My Rhythm'.

If that weren't enough, following a brief intermission for dinner, another group of exceptionally talented LEO members, led this time by LEO Gwendolyn Lim Hsien Yen and LEO Carys Teoh Lu Earn, seized the spotlight with a lively and energetic dance performance. Their routine featured songs from the movie 'La La Land,' including 'Someone in the Crowd' and 'A Lovely Night.' Following this exhilarating performance, LEO Tan Macey took the stage for the first contemporary dance of the night—a solo performance to the song 'Mercy' that she choreographed and executed with precision.

To round off this dynamic series of performances, LEO Charles Fong Jia Xin and the emcee, LEO Gwenyth Ong Wei Mun, delivered a stunning rendition of the song 'Runaway Baby.' This performance reached new heights with a jaw-dropping drum solo by none other than our very own Assistant Organising Chairperson, LEO Joshua Ng Ky Shaun, leaving the audience in an ecstatic frenzy.

Following the poignant performance, a brief intermission took place from 8:50 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. During this time, participants had the chance to mingle with their friends in the audience and capture memories at the photobooth. Once everyone returned to the hall, the plethora of prepared performances for the night resumed.

After a delightful serving of fried chicken, LEO Tan Sze Xuan captivated the audience with an emotional yet astonishing rendition of the song 'Dandelions,' offering a perspective on the struggles associated with diabetes. Following this, surpassing the earlier Opening Performance, two more representatives, Charisse Teh and Chua En Yi from the Dance Club, amazed the audience with a contemporary dance performance to the song 'Breath,' encapsulating the back-and-forth struggle faced by diabetic patients every waking moment.

The final singing performance of the night featured the gifted Year 11 students, Tan Rou Ey and Mia Faith Alagu, delivering a heart-moving rendition of the song 'If I Ain't Got You.' This marked a poignant conclusion to a night filled with diverse and emotionally resonant performances.

In the grand finale, the Closing Performance showcased a mesmerizing collaboration of a cajon, drum, keyboard, guitar, and pen-tapping performance, complemented by the powerful vocals of two talented performers from our LEO Club. They poured their hearts into a rendition of 'Viva La Vida,' leaving the already stunned audience in further shock and awe.

Our esteemed Guest of Honour, Dr M Reuben, a representative from Diabetes Malaysia, took the stage to deliver an insightful speech on the ongoing battle against diabetes. He helped elucidate the significance behind the talent-laden short skits and performances showcased throughout the night. Following this impactful address, a mock cheque representing the impressive total of RM17,609.08 raised through contributions from the audience, LEO members, and sponsors was presented to Diabetes Malaysia.

As the event approached its conclusion, Organising Chairperson LEO Brendan David Low took the spotlight to express gratitude. In his speech, he thanked participants, LEO members, the LEO Charity Night Committee, LEO Board of Directors, Faculty Advisors, and his closest associates for their unwavering support. President LEO Ethan Foo Sheng Zhi echoed these sentiments, extending thanks to everyone for their generous donations to the event. He also offered a timely reminder that the struggle against diabetes persists beyond the event and requires our constant commitment to fight. This heartfelt conclusion marked the end of a remarkable evening dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the battle against diabetes.

The Closing Ceremony announced Lucky Draw winners and awarded titles of King of Spades and Queen of Hearts, and Best Performance. Lion Christina Foong adjourned the meeting at 10:40 p.m. Participants mingled and took photos at the photobooth to cherish the memories made.

The event was a resounding success, raising not only funds for Diabetes Malaysia but also awareness about the struggles of those facing diabetes, and it left lasting memories for all participants.