Fashion Charity with Shoe Designers

One by one the guests arrived for a high  tea fund raising event, Fion Poon  Fashion Charity  in conjunction with Selangor Cheshire Home's 50th anniversary. We were among the earliest to beat K.L's jam increasing traffic jams. The venue for this exciting event, Fukuden Restaurant was easy to find, ala GPS.

It was indeed a special afternoon - a mixed programe of music and songs by jazz singer, Janet Lee accompanied by Tay Cher Siang on keys and a display of  shoes and handbags by local designer, Fion Poon. To top it all, the gracious presence of her mentor, icon Datuk  Jimmy Choo created the buzz. The afternoon tea menu was a range of Japanese cuisine cocktails.

The event kicked off  with Janet's renditions which  were well-received. Alas, time did not allow for more.

Everyone wanted a picture with the Guest of Honour, Datuk Jimmy Choo - ever charming and generous coping with the numerous requests. And the next instance, Facebook it!

Many guests were eager to try our Fion Poon's shoes and handbags on display. A customer service staff was on standby to let  guests know  that  accessories can be customized , made the items even more appealing.

Soon Fukuden Restaurant  was overflowing with guests. In the set -up, navigating for food, clicking pictures and moving about, space was tight. The waiters were kept on their toes serving quenchers to keep the guests nicely watered in the existing day's heat . The models wearing Fion Poon's shoes could not get past many guests. A pity! Nevertheless, we took it all in our stride. Fion Poon's  batik hand pouch  with a good sling handle as one of the door gifts is really neat.

The event ended with lucky draw  and best dressed prizes. Those who came in red and white stood better chances. In celebratory mood, there was  a big cake to mark  Cheshire's 50th  with a rousing Happy Birthday song. By 5.30 pm, the guests who responded warmly with charity in their hearts bade their good byes.

Elegance on your feet.

Datuk Jimmy Choo autographing a book about him 

TV3 was there for the media coverage. Datuk Khatijah , President of Sel Cheshire Home, Fion Poon and Datuk Jimmy Choo.

Janet Lee at the mike

Handicrafts from the Home

Heels  of sorts

Expressive Janet  Lee

We are a happy lot, with  Datuk Jimmy Choo!

Datuk Khatijah with supporters from Cheshire Home

Gong Xi Fun - The Horse that Ran Away

We did it! Much to our surprise and to the delight of the residents of Selangor Cheshire Home, we turned actors overnight and gave them more than a rollicking time with our play, The Horse That Ran Away.

Under her directorship and script, Sunshine Lady, Janneke did a fantastic job of making it a lovely production. We gathered at her house on two occasions  to familiarize ourselves with our roles and a dress rehearsal. A big cast indeed as all the Sunshine ladies who were available for the Chinese New Year party acted.

The residents, EEP ( Economic Empowerment Programe) students and the staff of the Home  were truly good audience. The fluffed lines got extra laughs. Someone came from behind me and pulled up my pants as it was dangerously slipping down as the acting got the better of me!

We know the horse is here to stay in this Year of The Horse. So, do not be alarmed- the horse in the play ran away but came back. The play ended  on a sweet memorable note - to be able to inject fun for others, we got just as much in return!

The Horse That Ran Away  had one oft repeated line by  poor farmer, Sei Wang , the protagonist, whenever any incident was highlighted to him that it wasn't good . The villagers, blacksmith and neighbours  chided him for keeping  his only faithful companion  horse, Silverwhite tho he was poor. More scoldings  came when Silverwhite was  missing  and thought to have run away. An unfortunate fall of Sei Wang's son resulting in a broken leg whilst attempting to ride the  stallion  brought home by Silverwhite. And when war broke out, the sons of the the villagers had to say goodbye to fight. His reply was always the same  - 'Who can say it is good or bad luck. No one can tell what the future will be'.

14 Sunshine Ladies ready to take the stage

Keats addressing the residents 

Resident Penny singing her song, encouraged by emcee, Chris Eng ( later the stallion)

Cowboy dance by the Economic Empowerment Programe students

High energy in the Indian dance by the staff

Fans in motion  by the residents and the students from IMU 

Director, Janneke introducing the play and the cast.

Sei Wang's son fell trying to ride the wild stallion..

Handsome stallion 

Oops, something crept up my nose!

Villagers in the market chided Sei Wang for not looking after himself

Finale  - we did it!

Distributing ang pows  - May goodness come your way!

Sunshine ladies helping out with lunch.

Staff  ready to serve

Happy Chinese New Year mood