Pics by Alban D'Souza, Prem Crasto & Nelson D'Souza

Kuwait Dec 5: Kuwait Canara Welfare Association celebrated its annual event "KCWA Christmas Party 2009" with much grandeur at Carmel School hall, Khaitan, on Friday 4th December.

The event began at 4:00 pm with a welcome note from MC Anil Fernandes. Various competitions for members and children were organized as part of Christmas celebration. Fancy dress, Solo dance, Traditional dress and Christmas Star contests were held for various age groups. Young MC's Jolin Lewis and Deandra D'Mello conducted the contests. All the judges were honored thereafter.

The celebrations began at 5:30 pm with a welcome address from President of KCWA Mr. Rudy D'Souza, who welcomed all the dignitaries, guests & members. He thanked the members and well wishers for their wholehearted support for the event and KCWA. Thereafter all the sponsors were felicitated by the President. Games for children were conducted by Sunitha D'Silva & team.

Annual merit scholarship awards for member's children were presented. The awardees for 2008-09 are:

"Mrs. Mabel & Mr. Sam Alphonso Merit Scholarship Award" (for Academic Excellence for students of X std in KUWAIT.) awarded to Moira Natalin D'Souza, Deandra Janice D'Souza & Glenn Melvin D'Souza

"Mrs. & Mr. Lawrence D'Souza Merit Scholarship Award" (for Academic Excellence for students of XII std in KUWAIT) awarded to Ria Hancy Pereira (Science Stream) and Jessica Genesia Crasto (Commerce Stream)

"Mrs. & Mr. P. V. Saldanha Merit Scholarship Award" (for Academic Excellence for students of X std in INDIA) awarded to Nishel Andrea D'Silva

"Spinns Confectionery Excellence Award" (for Excellence in Extra-Curricular Activities) awarded to Natasha Zareen D'Silva, Leann D'Souza, Deandra Janice D'Souza, & Muriel Mascrenhas
 

 The awards were presented by Fr. Henry Sequiera, visiting Priest from Mangalore and other sponsors of the awards. Sunitha D'Silva conducted the awards ceremony.

It was time for fun as MC Stephen Machado announced DJ/Dance session. DJ Kiran Sunny played some hot numbers to the much delight of the crowd, who danced their hearts out. Number of spot prizes were given away during the dance session. A tableau on Christmas theme was wonderfully presented by Lavina Furtado & team.

Fr. Melwyn & Fr. Theo, who will shortly leave their mission work in Kuwait, were felicitated on this occasion by President Rudy D'Souza and past presidents Stephen Machado & Jossie Pinto. Fr. Melwyn, who has been the Spiritual Director of KCWA for nine years, in his message applauded the humanitarian work done by KCWA and recalled the wonderful association with them and said he would always miss KCWA. Fr. Theo wished KCWA all success. Ida D'Silva conducted the honoring ceremony.

KCWA members presented some melodious Christmas Carols. To add spice to the celebration and befitting the occasion, Santa Claus made a grand entry and distributed sweets and toys to all children.

Competition results were announced by in-charge Jossy DÇunha and prizes were distributed. Hamper draw and members draw were held thereafter and attractive prizes were given away. Magnificent painting done by member Trevor Pacheco was auctioned. Unique auction of two hens was also held. Vote of thanks was proposed by Steevn Misquith. Grace before the meals was led by Fr. Henry Sequiera. Delicious dinner was served to all by Oriental Restaurant.

While the dance lovers continued to dance to their hearts content to the wonderful music, others savored the taste of delicious cuisine. It was quite a thrilling experience for kids and adults as everyone enjoyed every moment of the evening to the fullest. The program concluded at 10.30 pm.

The main sponsor of the event was Mrs. & Mr. Charles D'Sa (Bassem International Co.), Sponsored by Mr. John Fernandes (Sanbouk International), and Co-sponsored by many other individuals & members. Sound & Lighting was provided by Illuminations (Anand D'Souza). Anil Fernandes and Lavina Furtado coordinated the whole event.