IT was the 12th anniversary dinner of the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society, in celebration of 12 years of journey of the organisation that Chief High Priest of Malaysia Ven. K. Sri. Dhammaratana founded.
And he vowed to make it to the anniversary-cum-fund-raising dinner, by hook or by crook.
So, he had eyesight problems two days before the event, he pleaded with doctors to let him go for the event.
Dhammaratana said despite his temporary “disability”, he wanted to attend the event to see supporters and express his gratitude to them.
Thank you: Dhammaratana (fourth from left) receiving the RM50,000 cheque from NGO 57 Foundation representatives Eng Chip Jin (left) and Billy Lai (second from left) as Koh (third from left) looks on “We have been struggling for the last 12 years, starting with one centre with a few children, but today, we have homes in Salak South Baru, Klang and Jalan Penchala.
“By yearend, we hope to open two more - in Kepong and Cheras to serve the community in these areas,” said Dhammaratana.
The centres now house more than 200 children, over 20 single mums and 50 old folks.
He added that another new project — the Ti-Ratana Village would also be up soon in Bukit Tinggi.
Guest-of-honour was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, who said Ti-Ratana was able to open many centres in such a short time due to the spirit of volunteerism, love and compassion of the society.
Masterpiece: Successful bidder Tan Sri Ta Kin Yan (right) being presented with the painted portrait of Dhammaratana by the man himself after it was auctioned off to him at RM5,000. “Big donation or small contribution, whatever you can give, please do so. What’s important is that you give with your heart,” said Koh.
He later pledged RM10,000 from the Prime Minister’s Department.
Of the 250 tables that night, about 235 were taken up. As the crowd tucked into their nine-course vegetarian dinner, a host of singing and dance performances.
Those who tug a string with the audience must be the Ti-Ratana children, some as young as two or three, who sang tunes so pure and innocent about the love they crave from parents.
Non-governmental organisation (NGO) 57 Foundation that often donates to orphanages, schools and medical centres also donated RM50,000 to the welfare society that night.
Donated paintings were also auctioned off to generous bidders, one of which was a portrait of Dhammaratana himself.
The crowd also got a chance to win lucky draw prizes from hampers to airline tickets and holiday packages to various destinations.
As the fireworks later lit up the sky, Dhammaratana had already left abiding by his promise for treatment at the hospital.
He is still hospitalised as his eye condition has not improved, but Dhammaratana has certainly touched the hearts of his supporters while having the assurance that the proceeds raised that night are a boon to the daily running expenses of his centres.
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