Mutts & Mittens Charity Dinner 2022
Additional funds for the animal rescue organisation were raised at the function, thanks to the generosity of guests.
A charity dinner that was planned prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was disrupted and had to be postponed by almost three years. Despite the many challenges, the fundraiser was hosted successfully last evening at Super HLT Restaurant (Ipoh).
Attended by more than 800 guests, it was an opportunity to highlight the animal rescue work of Mutts & Mittens and the group of volunteers who expend personal time and money for the cause of animal welfare. During the function, additional funds were raised from the generous guests, some of whom came from out of state and even overseas just to support the event and to enjoy the lineup of entertainment.
Besides passing the hat around, the impromptu singing performance by VVIP guest Datin Janet Yeoh, mother of Ipoh-born Hollywood icon Tan Sri Datuk Dr Michelle Yeoh. Datin Janet, although already 85 years of age and hard of hearing, powerfully rendered Shanghai Bund (上海灘) to the delight of the diners. It moved them to part with RM7000.
Video: Datin Janet Yeoh Renders Shanghai Bund (上海灘)
Funds were also raised through the auction of paintings and liquor. Among others, bidding for a beautiful koi painting closed at RM5000 while a 12-year-old 3-litre bottle of Martell XO fetched RM4888.
Klinik De Era also contributed RM5000 to the kitty, while Mr CK Chooi, RM2000 and Tadika Yu Yu, RM1000 respectively. The sale of merch also boosted the total collection.
Guest-of-honour Datin Seri Dr Nomee Ashikin Dato’ Mohammed Radzi, in her speech, shared that animal welfare is a cause that’s close to her heart. Recalling the hardships that everyone faced during the pandemic and its ensuing movement control orders, but particularly challenging for voluntary groups such as Mutts & Mittens, she noted how the rescue organisation expanded from 100 strays in their pound to 200 within two years since March 2020. Praising these unsung heroes, Dr Nomee urged, “Do reach deep into your pockets to support this selfless cause.”
Also gracing the event was Mutts & Mittens staunch supporter Jenny Choy, the incumbent state assembly person for Canning. She had just filed her nomination papers in the morning to seek re-election for DUN Canning state seat for the upcoming General Election (GE15). Addressing the guests in a fiery manner as though it was a political rally, two critical points in her speech were the importance of educating the community on animal welfare and reporting any animal cruelty, including abandonment and starvation, to the relevant authorities.
Mutts & Mittens (M & M) was established in 2016 and to date, has handled more than a thousand rescue cases. Founder-cum-President CK Chong said, “Some of our rescues have been successful, but a percentage hasn’t borne the outcome that we had hoped. However, there is no space to be emotional because there are so many other animals out there that are in need of help.”
He added, “Over the years, we have neutered 600 dogs and cats. In addition, these past couple of years saw the rehoming of 170 dogs and cats under our care. This wouldn’t have been possible if not for the support from the community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the veterinarians, pet shops, businesses, and our volunteers for their commitment to this cause. Of course, let’s not forget our guests tonight who came from far and wide.”
Independent feeders were also acknowledged with an on-stage appreciation to Aunty Kelly and Madam Jenny Hoo.
Anyone who would like to support Mutts & Mittens or to adopt, can check their Facebook page or website.
Event: Mutts & Mittens Charity Dinner 2022
Venue: Super HLT Restaurant (Ipoh)
Date: 5th Nov, 2022
Time: 7pm
