Kaushik and Annu are delighted to announce their forthcoming event, Summer Garden Party 2016
Post Event Update
1 August 2016
SUN & FUN. LIVING & GIVING. OKA SUMMER PARTY 2016
Let’s start with setting the scene. The weather was typical of British summer - glorious warm sunshine with the occasional splattering of menacing grey clouds. The garden was poised and ready for action: food, beverages, games and shisha all for the taking. The backdrop was a funky-shaped marquee, flashing different coloured lights as the evening emerged. An engaging stage set beside the alluring shimmer of the swimming pool. As guests arrived, Calypso music from the sound of a live London Steel Band added a great vibe, providing a lively tempo for conversation to flow. All in the backyard of a sub-urban Hatch End home.
There were over 130 people over the course of the day who attended the OKA Summer Garden Party on Sunday 31st July 2016. It kicked off at 1.00pm and went on till late. The objectives of OKA were summarised in a heart-felt speech made by one of the trustees, Amit Chodha. One main message was to work for / donate to good causes and at the same time, to have fun. So whilst guests were engaged in ‘giving’ at garden stalls offering games, funny photo shoots, the raffle and auction, there was a lot of ‘living’ going on too - indulgent drinking and eating, especially at the live pizza station, friends catching up, new acquaintances being made, the young and mature mingling easily, stories and jokes being shared and for some, just absorbing the summer sun. This spirit defined the day.
But no doubt, in keeping with OKA’s zest for fun, the highlight of the day was when someone was prepared to pledge £500 to see another friend jump into the pool, as she was - in her garden party attire. Before long this became a "dare" and a "cause". Several others added to the "pot" and before long the charitable donation in the name of fun and frolic rose to £1,100. They were great sports to take on the challenge for a greater cause - and minor dry cleaning costs. Following this, most of the OKA Associates and many others either volunteered or were coerced in to joining the pool party - in the spirit of fun. This lightened the mood and created a lot of laughter and was quite the icing on the cake of an enjoyable and worthwhile day.
Well done OKA and our hosts for reminding us that we can challenge ourselves in small but entertaining, sometimes unconventional ways, whilst we contribute to a worthwhile cause.
Post Event:
OKA are proud to announce that through ticket sales, garden stalls, donations, raffle and auction, we raised just over £8,000 at our Summer Garden Party of 2016. There are numerous worthy causes waiting to be awarded grants from our funds, so that we can make a real difference to very needy lives. Please see our website www.onekindact.org for more details.
Post Event Comments by Attendees
2 Aug 2016, Anonymous
Post Event Comments by Attendees
3 Aug 2016, Aleem Hosein
I always knew that Ritu was a smart cookie, quick thinker and a people person, but even I had underestimated how quickly she rationalised/strategize a £500 donation to OKA verses a leisurely paddle in a heated swimming pool (that she had previously swam in many times before) AND the ability to sneak home beforehand (I hadn't considered she lived next door or would have chosen Mona instead) to put on a bathing suit below her summer dress. Yes, it took her all of 2 seconds to recognise the sizeable benefit to OKA whilst keeping her dignity intact (and other bits), and if there happens to be a positive social impact that facilitates a certain 'businesswomen of the decade' nomination, then hey heck, good things happen to great people right? I for one would vote for you :-). Great sport Ritu. Thanks to Annu & Kaushik and the girls and to all at OKA for hosting such a memorable and fun event. Aleem and Reeta xx
Event Details
OKA 2016 SUMMER GARDEN PARTYSunday 31 July 20161pm till late
Come Join One Kind ActCelebrate The Joys of Summer&Help Shine Rays of Hope
Garden Delights: Marquee, Pool and Summer BreezeParty Pleasures: Food, Drinks, Live Steel Band and Summer Surprises
Friends and Family Welcome (Teens & Adults only)
Limited Tickets available, so please buy asap ALL proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to One Kind Act
I always knew that Ritu was a smart cookie, quick thinker and a people person, but even I had underestimated how quickly she rationalised/strategize a £500 donation to OKA verses a leisurely paddle in a heated swimming pool (that she had previously swam in many times before) AND the ability to sneak home beforehand (I hadn't considered she lived next door or would have chosen Mona instead) to put on a bathing suit below her summer dress. Yes, it took her all of 2 seconds to recognise the sizeable benefit to OKA whilst keeping her dignity intact (and other bits), and if there happens to be a positive social impact that facilitates a certain 'businesswomen of the decade' nomination, then hey heck, good things happen to great people right? I for one would vote for you :-). Great sport Ritu. Thanks to Annu & Kaushik and the girls and to all at OKA for hosting such a memorable and fun event. Aleem and Reeta xx
Thought it would be good to share a follow up from an "Anonymous" Friend a poem about this amazing garden party; Food was plenty and drinks were flowing A steely band playing ; their instruments glowing A shisha corner engaged the young and the curious Whilst generous bids made the auction fun and victorious The speeches were engaging and full of felicitation To the very noble efforts of of a small band of crusaders And then the banter started with calls to some to dunk in the pool for some charitable cash and for fun And slowly one by one did the oka team get soaked Some dived in while others were pushed The glasses were refilled and bubbly uncorked Fun and frivolity in the pool and the party rocked Each person present surely gave some scope To a future story and to give some hope So many worlds so much to do This one kind act will most certainly help a few Well done you crusaders well done your friends Your efforts are applauded and may your cause live well. -Anonymous-
2 months to go and total sell out !