Kurumba resort raises over $21,000 for local orphanage at annual Party with a Purpose

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Kurumba raised over $21,000 for Kudhakudhinge Hiyaa Orphanage at their annual Party with a Purpose, held on Friday afternoon at the resort. Those in attendance were treated to an afternoon of music, good food and a charity auction. Invitees included in-house guests, local members of the community and hospitality industry stakeholders. Money was raised through food and beverage purchases, entry cost, donations and auction bids.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the resort has held the event and the sum is the highest raised yet. Kurumba’s General Manager Jason Kruse highlighted that the event had grown over the past fours years and that the momentum behind its success was down to the dedication of the staff. “We are extremely proud to be supporting such an amazing cause and it’s been so incredible to see the event develop over the past four years,” Mr Kruse said. “Personally, I’ve really enjoyed seeing the staff team here driving the event and really taking ownership of it,” he explained. What’s more, involvement with the orphanage isn’t limited to once a year. “Throughout the year, we make sure to check on the items we’ve sponsored. If something isn’t working, we’ll send our maintenance team over to get it fixed.”

Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, bands and DJs from across the Maldives entertained guests with live music. All performers donated their time to the event pro bono and included some of the biggest names of the circuit, such as Mishy Athif, Duo Saxophone and Detune. As well as being an incredible fundraising opportunity, the annual event is also becoming known as a great way for general managers to scout new talent for their resorts. “Many GMs attend this event and it’s a wonderful way for bands to showcase their music to new potential clients,” explained Mr Kruse. “There just aren’t many times when all these musicians can be found in one place,” he added.

As well as time donated by musicians and staff, the hotel’s suppliers’ generosity was central to the annual event’s success. All food and beverages served on the day were donated by the resort’s suppliers, which meant that 100% of the money taken would go towards goods for the orphanage. Suppliers such as Grape Expectations, Simdi Beverages, Navean Pvt Ltd and Regal Seafoods all donated merchandise to the event and guests were able to purchase delicious meals and drinks throughout the day.

Whilst these food and beverage purchases provided a wonderful way to raise funds, it was the event’s silent auction that allowed the resort to raise such a high figure. Resorts from across the country donated 1, 2 or 3-night stays which were then auctioned off to invitees. The highest valued stay was for a $5000 2-night full-board stay at Constance Halaveli. Other stays included one valued at $4500 at Huvafen Fushi and another valued at $4000 at Gili Lankan Fushi. Airlines also donated generously and Qatar Airlines even donated a return flight to any of their destinations in the world, according to the winning bidder’s preference.

Zeenaz Adnan, CEO of the Kudhakudhinge Hiyaa Orphanage praised the initiative and expressed her appreciation. “Kurumba have been extremely generous and supportive over the past few years,” she explained. “What is so lovely is that they don’t just give a donation, they look at what we need and make sure they provide it for us.”

Last year the resort focussed on upgrading the orphanage’s CCTV system. This year, the funds will be destined to the development of the “Early Childhood Play and Development Training Programme” for caretakers, in cooperation with the local non-governmental organization ARC – Advocating the Rights for the Children, amongst other projects. Some donations will also go towards improving the orphanage’s laundry facilities.

Kudakudhinge Hiya is located at in Villingili, the fifth ward of Male’ and was officially opened in May 2006. However, the home’s operations have been running since October 2004 under the Ministry of Gender and Family prior to the opening of this new building. The home now houses approximately 90 children and young people.

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