Enpower women and have a ball at AWARE’s Annual Ball

In about two months, the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) will be holding their Annual Ball at The Ritz-Carlton. This ball is the main fundraising event for AWARE, contributing 20% of its funds. 

For those who may be unaware, the non-profit organisation is Singapore’s leading women’s rights and gender equality advocacy group. Through their efforts, which include research and advocacy, AWARE aims to identify and dismantle gender-based barriers to foster equality for all individuals. Notably, AWARE has helped strengthen laws addressing domestic violence locally. 

This year’s theme is Power/Play. According to AWARE, tackling gender inequality requires people to recognise existing power structures in the world, in order to understand how to navigate them. Correspondingly, the name Power/Play centres how power cannot be ignored when talking about gender equality, but still encourages attendees to have a good time at the Ball. 

On the list

The event will be on Saturday, 7th September, at 6:30pm.

Those who feel strongly about gender equality or who hope to give back to society should consider purchasing tickets, as booking tables and seats contributes to AWARE’s fundraising.

The event also presents individuals with an opportunity to network. Each year, the Ball is attended by donors of AWARE, which include over 500 leaders and professionals across multiple industries, such as law, tech, and entertainment. As a result, the age of attendees tends to range from 35-55, including C-level attendees.

This year, AWARE hopes to raise $750,000, which will be used to fund their current support services, continue their advocacy work, and contribute to their training programmes. 

Finding funding

To donate to AWARE, people can opt for a few options: cash sponsorship, in-kind sponsorship, and table and seat bookings. 

All cash donations are also awarded a 250% tax deduction. Furthermore, the Tote Board, a statutory board in Singapore under the Ministry of Finance, will also contribute an additional 40% of what AWARE raises at the ball this year.

Corporate cash sponsors receive benefits depending on the amount donated. Besides the tax deductions, donors will also receive tables at the Ball, are entitled to training workshops, and get publicity on AWARE’s website, among other benefits.

Presence as a present

For the event itself, AWARE is looking for in-kind donations valued at $300 and above. These donations will be used as the top three prizes for the Ball’s raffle, or will be sold at the silent auction. Such in-kind donations may include intangible products such as holidays or dining vouchers, as well as tangible items such as fine jewellery and art or fine alcohol. 

By booking tables and seats to attend the event, attendees contribute to AWARE’s fundraising. There are four tiers of tables available, which cater to groups and individuals as they decide how much to contribute. 

This opportunity comes once a year. Interested parties can attend and support AWARE’s fundraising efforts, as they work towards a more equal Singapore, and enjoy a night of fun while they’re at it.