United Mangaloreans Kuwait – UMK, a group of like-minded people whose aim and dream of helping the underprivileged turned into reality for the 8th time, during their 10th anniversary celebration ‘Fun-Filled Evening 2019’, with a successful full-house show staged to gather funds for a charitable cause.
It was presented to a large audience of over 1000 people at the American International School, Maidan Hawally on Friday 1st of November 2019. The event comprised of melodious songs, foot-tapping dances and a Konkani social comedy drama “Asshin Kashin Zalim Phishin, written in Tulu by Dinesh Kankanady, Konkani translation by Dolla, Mangaluru, directed by Ronald D’Souza, Mulki.
The proceeds of INR 29,33,480/= (Indian Rupees twenty nine lakhs thirty three thousand four hundred eighty only) handed over to St. Philomena’s Orphanage, Home for the financially and socially poor girl children, run by Apostolic Carmel Congregation, Kemmannu, Udupi District, Karnataka, India
The members who are on vacation in India Kevin D’Souza, Winnifred D’Szouza, Anil Avil Fernandes, Jacintha Gretta, Roanld D’Souza-Mulky, Levnis Suares, Stany D’Souza, Remy Cornelio, Hilda Cornelio, Robin Cornelio and Philomena Pereira visited the orphanage and handed over the cheque during a simple ceremony on Saturday December 21st, 2019.
Sr. Priya Maria (superior of St. Maria Goretti Convent), Sr. Silvian (Head Mistress of Carmel English Medium School), Sr. Lathika (Head Mistress of Higher Primary School), Sr. Sunitha (Warden of St. Philomena’s Orphanage), Sr. Corona, Sr. Diana (Teachers), Sr. Winnie (Teacher, who coordinated with UMK) and Sr. Zita were present.
The programme started with welcoming by student Ishwarya. Founder member Kevin D’Souza conveyed the greetings on behalf of Gurkar (leader) of UMK Agnel Saldanha and all the members.
In his address, Kevin Gave a brief introduction of UMK family and its wonderful motto " OUR TALENT HELP FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED”. He opined that, none of us are orphans as we all have God our father who takes care of each one of us. UMK is just an instrument which God has put in place to help the needy with the support of all the sponsors. Congratulated all the Sisters of St. Phelomena’s orphanage for their hard work and dedication. Requested all the sweet children not to forget to smile always.
The children entertained the guests by meaningful Christmas tableau, dances, Christmas carols, Santha Clause, thanksgiving dance etc. UMK members and orphanage children cut the Christmas cake. Snacks and fruits were distributed to the children.
Sr. Silvian, Head Mistress of Carmel High School thanked UMK for the helping hand extended to the orphanage. Sr. Sunitha, Warden of St. Philomena Orphanage read out the message from Provincial Superior of Karnataka, Sr. Shamitha. She wrote in her message “only generous and large hearted people can think of others. It is a awesome work UMK has done to motivate others and to be motivated, by the example of Jesus who did good to give joy to others”
The programme was anchored by Bhoomika S. and concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Stena, students of the orphanage.
So far, UMK has contributed Indian Rupees 1.73 Crores (Rupees 17.3 Million) in the past ten years to ten needy institutions by staging eight shows under the main motto of helping the underprivileged.
On behalf of UMK family, Gurkar (Leader) Mr. Agnel Saldanha expresses his gratitude to all the generous sponsors, well-wishers, and the audience who whole-heartedly supported and contributed for the noble cause of UMK with providing an encouragement to UMK’s new faces and talents.