Gala Dinner for the Children of Palestine 2015

On Friday 27th November Welfare Association held a Gala Dinner for the Children of Palestine in the stunning Historic Royal Palaces’ Banqueting House, the only surviving building of the former Royal Palace of Whitehall. It was completed by Inigo Jones for King James I in 1622. Jones’ architectural gem became an artistic marvel, when King Charles I added Peter Paul Rubens’ magnificent ceiling paintings. 

The evening was very successful and consisted of a hugely enjoyable line up of entertainment and hospitality, beginning with a sparkling drinks reception, held in the unique arched Undercroft of King Charles I. 

The seated dinner took place in the stunning Main Hall and provided the opportunity for guests to learn about this historic venue and its magnificent ceiling paintings through a short talk by Historic Royal Palaces Lecturer Siobhan Clarke. WA-UK Chairman Baroness Tonge gave a rousing keynote speech on the terrible conditions some of the families we support are living in and the importance of the continued support of our donors to continue our vital work.

Board member Clare Short conducted the Live Auction where guests had the opportunity to bid on fantastic auction prizes and support key WA programmes such as emergency home repairs in Gaza and supporting children with special needs. Guests were also treated to fantastic performances of a variety of well-known songs by extremely talented opera singer Soumaya Adeeb.