The Art of Giving

At nine months old, Michelle Lee was enrolled in a special school and has been exposed to art and dance which serve as a form of therapy to improve her fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This early exposure helped cultivate and pique Michelle’s interest in art, in particular doing craftwork such as making loombands during her pastime.

Bringing together bright colours and bold patterns, Michelle, now 19, created a tie-dye art piece titled ‘A Splash of Colour’ using various coloured fabric dye, which was auctioned off for $2,000 at the YMCA Giving Gala 2016. Besides donating her art piece, Michelle also volunteered as an emcee at the event.

A member of Y STARS (YMCA Special Talents, Arts & Recreation Society), a group of youths with Down’s Syndrome who possess a special love for dance, performing and visual arts formed under the auspices of the YMCA of Singapore, Michelle learnt the beautiful technique of tie-dye over several Y Arts sessions in March 2016, conducted in collaboration with local artist, Wendy Zhang.

Held at Carlton Hotel on 12 October, the YMCA Giving Gala 2016 was attended by more than 150 guests, with Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development, gracing the event as the guest-of-honour.

Over $286,000 was raised, which will go towards YMCA’s efforts in impacting lives and nurturing community champions.

“Your presence here tonight is a testament of your dedication and commitment to helping the less privileged, because you believe in what the YMCA is doing – you want to support their good work, and give back to the community. I encourage all of you to continue partnering YMCA in this worthwhile journey to nurture an inclusive society with a culture of giving,” said Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development.

Last year alone, over 3,800 volunteers served more than 56,000 hours across 517 activities through the YMCA Community Service Programmes, touching the lives of over 3,900 beneficiaries from 32 partnering voluntary welfare organisations. “YMCA’s annual fundraising effort does not conclude with this dinner. It is an ongoing process to ensure that the programmes organised to touch lives and lift spirits of the less privileged can continue into the future,” said Mr Peter Tay, Chairman, YMCA Giving Gala 2016.

Guests supported the event by purchasing tables, individual seats, raffle tickets and participating in the silent auction. YMCA would like to thank all supporters, especially major donors Mr Chew Kwee San, Mr Goh Yew Lin, Mr Lim Mah Tat, Mr Ooi Boon Hoe, Dr Stephen Riady, Mr Eric Teng and the Lee Foundation for their generosity and support for the event.

Click here to view photos of YMCA Giving Gala 2016.