The Father Ray Foundation organised the Lucky Draw as a way of raising much needed funds, and used the day to raise awareness of one of its projects, the Pattaya School for the Blind who celebrate World Sight Day each year in early October.
Chanyuth Hengtrakul, secretary to the Minister of Transport, on the catwalk.
After a brief rain shower the afternoon event at Central Festival Pattaya Beach started with a fashion show. Thai supermodel, and local Pattaya girl, Cindy Burbridge, organised a group of her model friends, including Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova, who paraded down the catwalk wearing Father Ray Foundation t-shirts which they had redesigned and accessorized.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome selects the winning ticket.
Each model was accompanied by one of the blind students, but it was Aurora Sribuaphan, principal of the School for the Blind, who stole the show, and who could teach the younger models a thing or two about how to pose in front of a camera.
Local VIPs, dignitaries and business leaders also took to the catwalk accompanied by the children of the Father Ray Foundation.
Prizes that were won included one of four motorbikes, gold jewelry, meal vouchers for Sammy’s Bar, Mata Hari and Linda’s restaurants, flights donated by Bangkok Air and Orient Thai, and accommodation courtesy of Siam Bayshore, Amari, Dusit, Royal Cliff, Horseshoe Point and Centara hotel groups.
Other prizes included food blenders, fans, tickets to Nong Nooch, Tiffany’s, Alangkarn and vouchers for tae-kwondo, English tuition, dance and horse riding classes.
Even though several hundred turned out to see who won the top prize, there was silence as the Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, reached into the tombola, dug deep down and selected one lucky ticket which would give the winner the top prize of a brand new Toyota Vios.
All winning ticket numbers can be viewed on the Father Ray Foundation website www.fr-ray.org
Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005, with a new friend.
Aurora Sribuaphan poses with local supermodel Cindy Burbridge.
Future models from the Father Ray Children’s Home.
Volunteers were ready to answer any calls which pledged a donation.
