Last weekend marked the 41st anniversary of the Women’s Guild of Oman (WGO) Crystal Ball, a charity evening event hosted and organised by the members of the guild. The guild itself has had a strong presence in the country since 1973, and has seen members such as Sarah Bowden, the most recent British Ambassador’s wife, enjoy the community spirit and educational benefits of joining a group of like-minded individuals eager to give back to the Omani community.

A year-on-year spectacular and much talked-about party, known for its themes such as ‘James Bond’, the Ball this year was again a gourmet, sartorial and entertainment triumph, with the beautiful Barr Al Jissah Shangri-La hotel amphitheatre creating the perfect party backdrop. The theme, this year, of the ‘Masquerade’ offered patrons an opportunity to exercise their imaginations and creativity, when selecting, or even creating, various masks, which were then proudly worn throughout the night. From Cleopatra to the fabulously adorned Queen of Hearts, from the Iron Man in a Scottish kilt to the Phantom of the Opera, the attendees, most of whom are regular supporters of the annual event, made a tremendous effort in dressing to impress and entertain.

The event has a compelling social purpose however, as a charitable fundraiser, the beneficiary this year the Oman Cancer Association (OCA). An organisation which has been established by, among others Yuthar al Rawahy, now its Chairperson and Spokeswoman, a cancer survivor herself. The WGO’s President, Susan Flower, was delighted to present Rawahy with a charitable cheque of OR 15,000, funds which have been tirelessly collected via various WGO events throughout the year, as well as from donations by sponsors and the Crystal Ball itself. Flower spoke of the absolute passion and sincerity her organisation identified in Rawahy’s proposal for support, and expressed their delight at being able to contribute effectively to the OCA’s worthy aims.

In response, Rawahy spoke of the crucial work undertaken by the OCA in terms of rates of cancer detection, and how the funds will make a difference to the people of Oman, especially to the 17 per cent of Omani women living with breast cancer. It is hoped that even more money was raised through out the evening as a result of exciting raffle presentations, as the 600 plus attendees were encouraged to dig deep in support of the event’s aims.

Sponsors such as Jaguar, HSBC, Oman Air and the Royal Air Force, just to name a few, were able to provide fantastic raffle prizes such as weekend use of high-end vehicles, helicopter day trips and return flights to Jakarta. Such treats ensured excitement and ardent participation in the raffle, which in turn saw the altruistic dreams of the WGO’s committee become a wonderful reality.

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies, was Darren Shortt, recognised for his voice as the popular broadcaster and DJ on HiFM. Shortt entertained the crowds by hosting the best female and male mask competition and introduced the crowds to the main entertainers of the night — a vibrant Dutch pop group The Tour, who ensured a wonderful night of dancing into the early hours of the following day.