The Ball of the August Moon has been an annual fund-raising event for many years now, and has established itself as one of Malta’s foremost social occasions.
Originally held in aid of different particular charities each year, it was only in 1971, under the chairmanship of Lady Margaret Mamo, that a decision was taken to channel all the profits from the ball into one centralised organisation.
This, together with the increased consolidation of various other fund-raising events, led to the birth of the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF), which, as the President’s philanthropic organisation, is entrusted, with assisting, in cash or in kind, individuals, charitable institutions and philanthropic organisations throughout Malta and Gozo.
A Board of Directors, under the chairmanship of the President of Malta, and with members nominated by His Grace the Archbishop, the major political parties, trade unions, constituted bodies, and professionals working with the disabled, administers the fund throughout the year. A working committee holds fortnightly meetings to consider the numerous requests for assistance and to make recommendations to the board.
The Malta Community Chest Fund is publicly accountable in that the financial statements are audited annually and certified by a firm of certified public accountants and auditors, with the accounts eventually published in the local newspapers.
This year the Ball of the August Moon is planned for Saturday 4 August, and will be held, as always, in the grounds of Verdala Palace.
The President and Mrs Fenech Adami will receive all guests at the entrance to their official summer residence at 8pm. Patrons can then appreciate the beauty of the main hall on the ground floor, while enjoying canapés and drinks. Dinner will be then served in the gardens.
Marsovin has very generously donated all the wines for the evening and the menu is in the hands of Island Caterers.
The Malta Police Force and the Armed Forces of Malta will provide their usual support; an AFM guard of honour shall be present during the ball, and the mounted section of the Police Force will also be in attendance.
The Police Musical Group shall provide musical entertainment during dinner, while patrons can dance the night away after dinner to the tunes of Val Valente and his orchestra, surrounded by the beautiful floral decorations prepared by Therese Sullivan and her team of dedicated ladies.
An elegant souvenir booklet is published each year, which is given to patrons in exchange for a paper donation. These have now become collectable memorabilia, as they always contain interesting articles and beautiful photos. This is published thanks to the generous support of a number of sponsors, special mention of whom is made in the booklet itself.
Tickets at Lm20 per person, can be obtained from the offices of the Malta Community Chest Fund at The Palace, Valletta or on telephone number 2124-0568.