Masraf Al Rayan was delighted to be able to support the remarkable work of Reach Out To Asia as it helps provide education to the underprivileged and disadvantaged across Asia, by sponsoring their 2nd Gala Dinner in November, 2006.

The prestigious Gala Dinner – an occasion which has already established itself as a highlight of Qatar’s social calendar – is a fundraising event which attracts dignitaries, celebrities, sportsmen, politicians and VIPs from around the globe. The evening features an exclusive auction during which many unique and highly desirable lots come under the auctioneer’s hammer, raising record amounts and achieving enormous publicity for the cause of the high-profile charity.

The 2006 event, which was hosted by The Heir Apparent, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and his wife, Her Excellency Sheikha Jawaher Bint Hamad Bin Suhaim Al Thani, was attended by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, five times Tour de France winner Eddy Merckx, French footballer Christian Karembeu and former England football managers Sven-Goran Eriksson and Glen Hoddle, MotoGP star Troy Bayliss and renowned designer Philippe Stark.

Funds raised at the event helped to support Reach Out To Asia’s work in helping the victims of the 2004 tsunami and the devastating earthquake in Pakistan, as well as numerous other projects which help those experiencing serious social difficulties and lack of access to quality basic education.