Music for charity

This Christmas, the Hilton Colombo continues to bring in the spirit of the season, with its latest event – Carols for Charity. This spectacular Christmas concert is a part of the hotel's 21st anniversary celebrations, and will be held on December 20, 2007 at the Hilton Colombo pool-side from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. Proceeds from this festive event will go towards the Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind – the Hilton Colombo's official 21st anniversary charity.

Rohan de Lanerolle	Natahsa Rathnayake

Carols for Charity Concert is put together by some of Sri Lanka's highly renowned artists such as: the Revelations – the winners of the Gold award, and titled Champion at the recently concluded Asian Choir Games 2007, in the "Gospel and Spiritual" category, along with the Revelations Academy of Performing Arts and Creativity, Druvi De Silva, Rohan De Lanerolle, Natasha Rathnayake, Shanelle Fernando, Ricky Bahar, and Monique.

The night's festivities will also include a sensational surprise guest performance. "We already have held two major celebrations as a part of our 21st year in the country - the Latino carnival and the 2100kg of Kottu promotion. Both these exciting and fun-filled events went on to break new ground in the Sri Lankan hospitality industry and became a huge success for the hotel. We are confident that this event too will be well appreciated," said The Hilton Colombo's Marketing Communications Manager, Gigi De Silva.

Speaking to some of the artistes performing at the event, it was clear that they saw this as an opportunity to combine the arts and the true Christmas spirit.

"In keeping with the true tradition of Christmas – helping the less fortunate, it is my honour to be part of this event for which the Colombo Hilton should be proud of playing host," said Ishan de Lanerolle of the Revelations. According to Sanjeev Jayaratnam, leader of the Revelations, "Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone." This is why we joined with the Hilton to do something special this Christmas for the blind school. We hope that you will help us to make our endeavour a reality.

"We should realize that everyone is not equally able. Some are born with birth defects and abnormalities without a choice in life. But that doesn't mean they are different to us. I'd like to say that they don't need your sympathy but need to be accepted as equal human beings into the society. Let us show them that we care by being there for them. I strongly feel that as good human beings we should have a sense of care and responsibility towards charity program such as this one. So I'm glad that I can use my voice to be a blessing them," said Natasha.

Shanelle Fernando feels that Christmas began in the heart of God, and that it is complete only when it reaches the heart of man. "If there is no joyous way to give a festive gift, give love away – the greatest gift of all! May the true spirit of Christmas be yours now and always."

Proceeds from the sale of tickets (priced at Rs. 750/-, available at the Hilton Colombo's Special Event Desk), will directly benefit the Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind. Previously, proceeds generated from the hotel's other anniversary celebrations were also contributed to this school.

Additionally, the hotel's plans for the season include a 10% discount on food and beverage in all outlets except "Fine Things" on the night of Carols for Charity. For more details, please call the Special Events Desk on 2492492.