21st Century Leaders Doha

Cakes & Kids – Whatever It Takes to Make a Difference

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:37:16 +0000

Friday and Saturday the Doha Marriott will host the Whatever It Takes Shop and Draw event to benefit the Twilight Children Program in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. People might wonder what a five star hotel in Qatar has in common with a shelter for street boys over 6,250 kilometers away in South Africa and the answer is baking and a sense of giving back to the community.
The Doha Marriott’s General Manager, Saeid Heidari, says “It is a great pleasure hosting the ‘Whatever It Takes Shop and Draw for Hope Event’ this weekend. We find the 21st Century Leaders Foundation’s mission of building a global community of immense importance and are thereby happy to be able to help them by providing funding and support for a series of events that will fund positive environmental and sustainable human development programs.”
The Doha Marriott is proud to actively participate in Marriott International’

s “Spirit to Serve our Communities” program, a core part the hotel and resort chain’s corporate and social responsibility remit that is broken in to five signature issues: Shelter and Food, Environment, Readiness for Hotel Careers, Vitality of Children and Embracing Diversity and People with Disabilities. Heidari goes on to explain that, “The Doha Marriott’s social responsibility and community engagement program not only benefits the local community, but strengthens the global culture and now that Twilight Children created an in-house bakery, we are delighted to host a venue for the sale of Whatever It Takes merchandise to benefit them during our weekend brunch and also look forward to sharing our experiences and skills to help boys with the development of their own successful bakery program.”
Whatever It Takes is a unique artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders Foundation. Leaders from the worlds of fashion, film, television, art, music and sport draw a “Symbol of Hope for the 21st Century” that is then developed into eco-friendly and ethically traded lifestyle products. Through sale of these products at retail outlets in Europe, North America and Australia the campaign has raised over 11 million Qatari Riyals (3,000,000 USD) the money is used to support more than 50 charities including those nominated by the celebrity leaders.
The Whatever It Takes Shop and Draw for Hope event is completely staffed by local community volunteers, and will be held in the main lobby of the Doha Marriott from 11am-4pm on Friday and Saturday. Children visiting are encouraged to draw their own “Symbols of Hope for the 21st Century” to be displayed at later events.
This sale includes unique products for sale such a watch with artwork donated by George Clooney, t-shirts with artwork donated by Whoopi Goldberg, an alarm clock with artwork donated by Donna Karan; and notebooks with artwork donated by South Africa’s own Charlize Theron—prices start at just 50QR (13USD). In addition to the chance to purchase these special products visitors will also be treated to cakes served up by the Doha Marriott’s master bakers featuring Whatever It Takes Celebrity Symbols of Hope.
The support of the Marriott for the Whatever It Takes and Twilight Children does not end with providing a venue for the sale—the hotel’s Executive Chef, Reinhard Fuchs will be recording a special message of tips of the trade and a recipe for cookies for Pastor Zwane the young man in charge of the Twilight Children Bakery. Although only 23 years old, Zwane obtained his baking certificate and is now tasked with teaching older boys at the shelter the trade so they might obtain gainful employment. In addition to heading the baking program, Zwane is also responsible for preparing 3 meals a day for the 110 boys residing at the shelter and cooking for the 150-200 homeless community members that rely on the shelter’s daily nutritional outreach program.
Zwane says, “The Twilight Bakery was started to reduce the shelter’s costs—we were spending over 11,000 QRS per month on bread.” Slowly the bakery has started producing extra loaves that they hope to one day sell to the community markets and stores to create an additional income stream for the shelter while providing the boys in training with real life work experience. Currently, they are selling small cookies and doughnuts for 0.45QR-3QR to local vendors but this does not raise enough money to allow them to purchase the much needed bread slicer, rolling pins, uniforms and bags that would permit them to sell loaves of bread to the community and become more self sustainable. The Whatever It Takes Shop and Draw for Hope hosted by the Doha Marriott will hopefully generate enough sales to help the young men acquire the materials needed to continue to grow the program.
Doha Marriott Chef Fuchs says, “I am happy to share my years of experience as a baker and my special butter cookie recipe with the Pastor and his students at Twilight. I look forward to this cross cultural opportunity the Doha Marriott and Whatever It Takes is providing me with and I wish them great success in creating an additional income generating channel for their center.”
For more information about this Whatever It Takes event please visit the Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/whateverittakes.org
Photo Captions:
Doha Marriott General Manager, Saeid Heidari, and chefs display Whatever It Takes Celebrity Symbol of Hope Cakes featuring the artwork of (front row l-r) Sir Roger Moore, Charlize Theron, Suggs and Lucy Liu.
Inside the Twilight Children’s Bakery (r-l) Pastor Zwane, Sakhile Mbele and Siphesihle Mhlomgo pose in front a fresh batch of sweets they will sell to the Hillbrow community.
ENDS
Whatever It Takes
Whatever It Takes is a unique artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders Foundation. Over 600 leaders in the worlds of fashion, film, television, art, music and sport, have donated their artworks and have signed messages of hope for the future. This artwork is used to design and create a variety of lifestyle products which are then sold to raise funds through our world renowned retail partners which include Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lane Crawford and David Jones amongst others. Whatever It Takes works closely with their leaders to assist and encourage a generation of influencers to take ownership, engage in positive action, raise awareness among their communities, and champion the solutions to poverty and environmental degradation. Whatever It Takes raises funds for key global development causes, including poverty alleviation, the protection of children, and environmental conservation. http://www.facebook.com/whateverittakes.org

Whatever It Takes Shop & Draw for Hope

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:56:59 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 20, 2010 – DOHA Qatar

This Friday and Saturday February 26-27 the Doha Marriott is hosting a Whatever It Takes Shop and Draw for hope event in the main lobby. All of the unique merchandise for sale at this event features original artwork donated to Whatever It Takes—products include watches with artwork by Pierce Brosnan, John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson; t-shirts with the artwork of musicians Amy Winehouse, Barry Manilow, Suggs and Joss Stone; and a variety of totes and wallets with the artwork of Kanye West, Lucy Liu and David Bowie; the prices start at just 50QR (13USD). After a pass through, shoppers are encouraged to enjoy the Doha Marriott’s lavish weekend brunch that offers an array of cuisines featuring stations from the restaurants Asia Live!, Corniche, All’ Aperto, Taj Rasoi, Salsa and special treat, cakes featuring Whatever It Takes Celebrity Symbols of Hope. In addition to shopping and dining, kids are invited to draw their own Symbols of Hope for the 21st Century or be entertained in the Doha Marriott’s kids club.

Established in 2003 21st Century Leaders Foundation’s mission is to assist and encourage a generation of influencers to raise awareness and funds for international development causes, thereby leading the way in promoting positive environmental and sustainable human development solutions. The first step of becoming a 21st Century Leader requires each celebrity to create a custom artwork with a message of hope and self-portrait. This original artwork is then developed into eco-friendly and ethically traded lifestyle products such as t-shirts, mugs, iPod covers, watches, alarm clocks, tote bags and other fashion items.

Whatever It Takes products are sold at retail outlets throughout Europe, North America and Australia and their sale has raised over 11 million Qatari Riyals (3,000,000 USD) since its launch five years ago; the money is used to support more than 50 charities including those nominated by the celebrity leaders.

However, this unique sale completely staffed by volunteers, will send all its proceeds to Twilight Children in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, South Africa. Twilight Children, established in 1983, provides support to boys aged 8–18 years who are living on the streets and other public places without adequate or apparent adult or family support. The counselors at Twilight determine the boy’s family circumstances and to encourage him to return to the care of family or guardian. In cases where boys are unable or unwilling to return home Twilight cares for boys’ physical, emotional, educational, health and developmental needs while giving him refuge from the streets in their shelter. For the older boys, Twilight Children provides vocational counseling and guidance as well as suitable training in basic life skills as well as assistance in finding secure employment and assistance in setting them up in alternative accommodation where they can become independent, productive citizens, in the community.

In addition to the services for the boys, Twilight Children runs a nutritional outreach program serving life-sustaining meals five days a week to 150-200 homeless members of the Hillbrow community each day. Recently, Twilight created an in house bakery to: teach the older boys a new skill; eliminate the monthly cost of purchasing bread for the center (approximately 3000 USD/month); and create an additional income generating channel for the center by selling the loaves and sweets to community stores. This sale will help develop the bakery program.

The Doha Marriott social responsibility and community engagement program not only benefits the local community, but strengthens the global culture, helps attract and retain valued associates, and provides a work/life balance as well as personal development opportunities. Like Marriott International, Doha Marriott leverages the brand and message “Spirit To Serve Our Communities,” to get alignment and “one voice” for their signature issues —Shelter and Food, Environment, Readiness for Hotel Careers, Vitality of Children and Embracing Diversity and People with Disabilities

For more details on the sale or Twilight Children visit the Official Whatever It Takes Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/WhateverItTakes.org for more information on Marriott International’s Spirit to Serve please visit the Marriott Website http://www.marriott.com/corporateinfo/culture/coreValues.mi

ENDS

Whatever It Takes

Whatever It Takes is a unique artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders Foundation. Over 600 leaders in the worlds of fashion, film, television, art, music and sport, have donated their artworks and have signed messages of hope for the future. This artwork is used to design and create a variety of lifestyle products which are then sold to raise funds through our world renowned retail partners which include Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lane Crawford and David Jones amongst others. Whatever It Takes works closely with their leaders to assist and encourage a generation of influencers to take ownership, engage in positive action, raise awareness among their communities, and champion the solutions to poverty and environmental degradation. Whatever It Takes raises funds for key global development causes, including poverty alleviation, the protection of children, and environmental conservation.

21^st Century Leaders Foundation

Founded by Charlotte di Vita in 2003 when she was appointed Goodwill Ambassador to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. The 21st Century Leaders Foundation aims to leverage the influence of leaders in their field and popular culture to cause positive change. 21st Century Leaders Foundation’s mission is to assist and encourage a generation of influencers – royalty, Nobel peace prize laureates, and well-known figures in the fields of film, music, fashion, art and literature – to raise awareness and funds for international development causes, thereby leading the way in promoting positive environmental and sustainable human development solutions.

For More Information

Contact

Yana Fleming Yana@21stcentury-leaders.org
Doha: +974 343 2927 UK: +44 (0) 758 135 9335 USA: + 1 202 812 6520 South Africa: +27 76 424 2389
Whatever It Takes: http://www.whateverittakes.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/whateverittakes.org
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/whatevrittakes
Doha 21st Century: Leaders Awards http://www.21stcenturyleadersawards.org
Suite 8, Brandon House, 13 Wyfold Road, London SW6 6SE
Tel: +44 (0)207 386 9989 Fax: +44 (0)207 610 0289

Jennifer Schlicht
Talent Acquisition & Training Manager
Doha Marriott
Ras Abu Aboud Street, P.O. Box 1911, Doha, Qatar
www.dohamarriott.com <http://www.dohamarriott.com/>
Tel: +974 429 8303, Fax: +974 441 4390, Mobile: +974 673 4569
Email: Jennifer.Schlicht@marriott.com

SUSTAINABILITY CENTRE PROPOSED BY 21ST CENTURY LEADERS

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:28:01 +0000

Tuesday 31 October 2009
21^st Century Leaders is proposing the establishment of Doha-based ‘sustainability centre’ that will promote sustainable living worldwide.
Founder and Director of 21^st Century Leaders Charlotte di Vita MBE announced the plan at a star-studded gala dinner at the Grand Hyatt Doha which honoured a number of ‘unsung heroes’ and stars including Sir Ben Kingsley, actor Josh Hartnett and soprano sensation Monica Yunus.

‘Our wish is to build the first ever arts and sustainability centre in Doha, to leverage popular culture to inspire and empower communities worldwide to live a sustainable lifestyle,’ Ms di Vita told the 800 people gathered for the event. Ms di Vita wore an Antonio Berardi gown from Zai gifted by Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani.

‘Qatar is in a unique position at the centre of the world, and Qatar’s natural and human resources allow it to take a significant leadership role in the 21^st century on issues like clean tech, global and environmental protection, climate change and sustainability, because it has the financial resources to invest in a green future for the benefit of the whole planet.

Ms di Vita announced the centre proposal at the inaugural Doha 21^st Century Leaders Awards gala event, which was held in partnership with the Friends of the Environment Centre and Qatar Charity.

Sir Ben Kingsley, an active supporter of many charities that help young disadvantaged persons across the world, was honoured with the Outstanding Humanitarian award.

Josh Hartnett received the Outstanding Environmentalist award for his work with “Global Cool” and his efforts to educate people about climate change.

Opera star Monica Yunus received the Outstanding Humanitarian award for her work with her foundation, Sing For Hope. Wearing a stunning gown designed by Lebanese fashion designer Georges Chakra, Monica explained why she established the foundation.

“I needed a way to give something back through what I know best, which is my art, and I found that other artists felt the same way. Art is not a luxury; it is necessary to human existence,” she said in accepting the award.

The award for Outstanding Leadership was bestowed upon tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams who, because of playing commitments in Doha, were unable to attend but accepted their awards via video.

Slumdog Millionaire filmmakers Danny Boyle and Christian Colson were also awarded Outstanding Humanitarian awards but were urgently required in India and so also accepted their awards by video.

The Doha 21^st Century Leaders Award Ceremony also honoured unsung local and regional heroes who have made a substantial effort to either pioneering change within their own communities or for humanitarian efforts worldwide. The awardees were Eman Ahmed Al Obaidli, Sara Mohammed Al-Shamlan from Qatar and Palestinian Helen Shehadeh. The Unsung Heroes Awards were proposed and presented by Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani.

The awards ceremony concluded with an exclusive auction, during which a number of unique items were made available, including once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Some of the funds raised by 21^st Century Leaders in Doha will be made available to support the establishment of a sustainability centre in Qatar.

Charlotte di Vita said: “The purpose of the awards is to celebrate a number of individuals for their contributions in making the world a better place; whether through their commitment to furthering environmental and humanitarian causes, or through their leadership.”

ENDS

For more information please contact :

Patsy Bateman (English) on patsy@21stcentury-leaders.org or +974 323 3935

Farah Faisal Aburamadan (Arabic) on FAburamadan@Bell-Pottinger.co.uk or +974 582 4582

Or visit us online at : http://www.facebook.com/whateverittakesexperience

Captions

Display of Whatever It Takes products available at the shop in the Grand Hyatt Doha
Sir Ben Kingsley

Film about Charlotte di Vita and Whatever It Takes (click here or enter this URL)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD2U588S7JQ

ENDS

For more information please contact :

Patsy Bateman (English) on patsy@21stcentury-leaders.org or +974 3233935

Farah Faisal Aburamadan (Arabic) on FAburamadan@Bell-Pottinger.co.uk or +974 582 4582

21st Century Leaders Foundation

Founded by Charlotte di Vita in 2003, when Nelson Mandela appointed her as a Goodwill Ambassador to his Children’s Fund, the 21st Century Leaders Foundation aims to leverage the influence of leaders in their field and popular culture to cause positive change. 21st Century Leaders Foundation’s mission is to assist and encourage a generation of influencers – royalty, Nobel peace prize laureates, and well-known figures in the fields of film, music, fashion, art and literature – to raise awareness and funds for international development causes, thereby leading the way in promoting positive environmental and sustainable human development solutions.

Friends of the Environment Center (FEC)

Friends of the Environment Center (FEC) was established in 1992 in Doha as a non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to environmental protection and conservation. FEC aims to play an effective role in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations concerned with the environment in the State of Qatar., to maximise environmental safety, health and natural beauty and to reach the best possible level of sustainable development for the enjoyment and well-being of man. The center depends on voluntary work to carry out its activities. It is a member of the Arab Federation for Youth and Environment and has been designated as the Regional Coordination Office for the GCC countries. It is a founder member of the Gulf’s NGOs Environmental Network and maintains active cooperation with several regional and international organisations, in particular UNEP, UNESCO and ROPME.

Qatar Charity

Qatar Charity (QC) is a non-government organisation which was established in 1992 in order to support the Qatari society and other needy communities abroad. Its mission is to support the abilities of the most needy groups to fulfil human dignity and social justice in cooperation with partners. Its vision is to be an example, a pioneering, distinguished Islamic institution which combines originality, creativity and professionalism in the field of humanitarian aid and development. QC is one of the largest charities in the Gulf, its activities covering more than 40 countries in Africa, Asia and Europe, through its registered field offices in various countries or local civil societies as implementing partners. QC is registered in Qatar and governed by law No (2) of 1974, which is amended by decree-law No (17) 1989, and law No (8) of 1998, which regulates work of private societies and foundations. QC has been in consultative status with UN ECOSOC since 1997.

Whatever It Takes

Whatever It Takes is a unique artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders Foundation. Over 600 leaders in the worlds of fashion, film, television, art, music and sport, have donated their artworks and have signed messages of hope for the future. This artwork is used to design and create a variety of lifestyle products which are then sold to raise funds through 4000 retail partners which includes Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lane Crawford and David Jones amongst others. Whatever It Takes works closely with their leaders to assist and encourage a generation of influencers to take ownership, engage in positive action, raise awareness among their communities, and champion the solutions to poverty and environmental degradation. Whatever It Takes raises funds for key global development causes, including poverty alleviation, the protection of children, and environmental conservation.

Grand Hyatt Doha

Blending traditional and modern architecture, Grand Hyatt Doha is a business hotel in the new district of West Bay Lagoon. A mix used complex of 249 guestrooms and 91 residences including 39 suites and 43 executive club rooms. It boasts of four restaurants that are individually designed with show kitchens featuring international cuisines, a lobby lounge and a bar with walk-in cigar room. The hotel has extensive conferences facilities in 11 meeting rooms and a 1,500 sq m ballroom. The hotel has extensive leisure facilities including a Hyatt Pure day spa, private beach, three outdoor swimming pools and health club with indoor lap pool. For more information about the hotel and to make a reservation, call +974 448 1234 or visit doha.grand.hyatt.com

download: Sheikha Hanadi al Thani (557.05KB)
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description: Photo from Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards Gala ©2009 Bryce Bridges photo credit must read "photo by Bryce Bridges" and must accompany all uses of image

download: Charlotte di Vita (1.08MB)
added: 31/10/2009
clicks: 28
description: Photo from Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards Gala ©2009 Bryce Bridges photo credit must read "photo by Bryce Bridges" and must accompany all uses of image

download: Monica Yunus (877.31KB)
added: 31/10/2009
clicks: 27
description: Photo from Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards Gala Photo from Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards Gala ©2009 Bryce Bridges photo credit must read "photo by Bryce Bridges" and must accompany all uses of image

download: Josh Hartnett (849.57KB)
added: 31/10/2009
clicks: 32
description: Photo from Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards Gala

download: Sustainability Centre Proposed (108.26KB)
added: 31/10/2009
clicks: 45
description: 21st Century Leaders is proposing the establishment of Doha-based ‘sustainability centre’ that will promote sustainable living worldwide. Founder and Director of 21st Century Leaders Charlotte di Vita MBE announced the plan at a star-studded gala dinner at the Grand Hyatt Doha which honoured a number of ‘unsung heroes’ and stars including Sir Ben Kingsley, actor Josh Hartnett and soprano sensation Monica Yunus.

Event Programme

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:56:18 +0000

download: Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards Programme (14.46MB)
added: 31/10/2009
clicks: 24
description: Doha 21st Century Leaders will leverage the influence of celebrities to raise awareness and engage the Qatari community in positive steps to mitigate climate change, conserve local marine and wildlife environments and to live a sustainable lifestyle. The first Doha 21st Century Leaders, events were the Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards and The Whatever It Takes Experience in partnership with Qatar’s leading environmental charity Friends of the Environment, spearheaded by Dr. Saif Ali Al-Hajari. 21st Century Leaders wishes to extend support to all registered Qatar charities interested in partnering to make a positive difference.

WHATEVER IT TAKES OPENING WITH SIR BEN KINGSLEY

admin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:09:19 +0000

28October 2009

WHATEVER IT TAKES EXPERIENCE GRAND OPENING WITH SIR BEN KINGSLEY

Oscar winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley will be cutting the ribbon to officially mark the grand opening of the Whatever It Takes Experience at 5pm on the 30 October at the Grand Hyatt Doha.

Sir Ben who became a 21^st Century Leader Ambassador when he donated his original artwork to Whatever It Takes in August 2004 will be also be taking a guided tour of the experience, and will get the chance to look at some of 50 original artworks from other stars of the stage and screen on display in the exhibition which will also include his own donated artwork. Featured celebrity artwork will be on show from George Clooney, Samuel L. Jackson, Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan, Sir Bob Geldof, Snoop Dog and Heidi Klum and many others.

Whatever It Takes is a cause-related product campaign which involves more than 600 celebrities or leaders in their field who have been officially invited to become a 21^st Century Leader. As an ambassador they create an original piece of art with a strong message of hope. This artwork is then designed into a variety of environmentally sustainable lifestyle products, created by producers who are working towards the Whatever It Takes ethical policy. The products are then sold to raise funds through 4000 prestigious retail partners globally such as Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lane Crawford, David Jones and Harvey Nichols amongst others.

Award winning Slumdog Millionaire director and producer duo Danny Boyle and Christian Colson who became 21^st Century Leader Ambassadors earlier this year said “We were so excited to be able to be able to contribute our artwork to Whatever It Takes, and are really excited to be part of the campaign and to join the 600 other stars that are already in the programme.” Their artwork will also be on display as part of the exhibition.

Products for sale in the shop include iPod covers, t-shirts, computer accessories, stationary, canvas prints, watches, mugs and plates, wall and alarm clocks, wallets, and bags featuring artwork donated by such celebrities as Nicole Kidman, Lucy Liu, Coldplay, George Clooney, and Sir Bob Geldof CBE. One of a kind, unique items and collections from Stella McCartney, Heidi Klum, Gwen Stefani, Alexander McQueen and Sir Paul Smith are also available as part of a silent auction.

For the first time ever, all of these products will be available in one place in Qatar through the Whatever It Takes Experience at the Grand Hyatt Doha later this week. The experience which is running from 28-31 October, and is already open to the public, is a unique art, shopping and cafe space at the Grand Hyatt Doha which includes exclusive Whatever It Takes products.

Starting from today, visitors to the hotel can take part in a treasure hunt to win exclusive products from the Whatever It Takes product range. If they are the first person to find the hidden voucher in the lobby area of the Grand Hyatt Doha, by following the clues released on the Whatever It Takes Facebook group, they can redeem their voucher for a free prize. To take part, go to http://www.facebook.com/whateverittakesexperience and become a fan, and sign up to the treasure hunt event.

Sir Ben Kingsley is one of the first recipients of a Doha 21st Century Leader Awards to be presented in a special gala dinner later on that evening, alongside American actor and film producer Josh Hartnett, who starred together with the Gandhi actor in the 2006 hit thriller Lucky Number Slevin. The multi-award winning director and producer team of Danny Boyle and Christian Colson, who made last year’s smash hit Slumdog Millionaire, will also be recognised.

The recipients will receive an award entitled “Draw Your Own Time” that has been specially designed by respected artist and sculptor Lorenzo Quinn, who has a long history of being commissioned for public works in Qatar including the “Give & Take” statue marking the entrance of the Aspire Sports Academy in Doha.

ENDS

For more information please contact :

Patsy Bateman (English) on patsy@21stcentury-leaders.org or +974 323 3935

Farah Faisal Aburamadan (Arabic) on FAburamadan@Bell-Pottinger.co.uk or +974 582 4582

Or visit us online at : http://www.facebook.com/whateverittakesexperience

Captions

Display of Whatever It Takes products available at the shop in the Grand Hyatt Doha
Sir Ben Kingsley

Film about Charlotte di Vita and Whatever It Takes (click here or enter this URL)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD2U588S7JQ

ENDS

For more information please contact :

Patsy Bateman (English) on patsy@21stcentury-leaders.org or +974 3233935

Farah Faisal Aburamadan (Arabic) on FAburamadan@Bell-Pottinger.co.uk or +974 582 4582

21st Century Leaders Foundation

Friends of the Environment Center (FEC)

Qatar Charity

Whatever It Takes

Whatever It Takes is a unique artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders Foundation. Over 600 leaders in the worlds of fashion, film, television, art, music and sport, have donated their artworks and have signed messages of hope for the future. This artwork is used to design and create a variety of lifestyle products which are then sold to raise funds through 4000 retail partners which includes Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lane Crawford and David Jones amongst others. Whatever It Takes works closely with their leaders to assist and encourage a generation of influencers to take ownership, engage in positive action, raise awareness among their communities, and champion the solutions to poverty and environmental degradation. Whatever It Takes raises funds for key global development causes, including poverty alleviation, the protection of children, and environmental conservation.

Grand Hyatt Doha

download: WHATEVER IT TAKES EXPERIENCE GRAND OPENING WITH SIR BEN KINGSLEY (131.02KB)
added: 28/10/2009
clicks: 38
description: Oscar winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley will be cutting the ribbon to officially mark the grand opening of the Whatever It Takes Experience at 5pm on the 30 October at the Grand Hyatt Doha. Sir Ben who became a 21st Century Leader Ambassador when he donated his original artwork to Whatever It Takes in August 2004 will be also be taking a guided tour of the experience, and will get the chance to look at some of 50 original artworks from other stars of the stage and screen on display in the exhibition which will also include his own donated artwork. Featured celebrity artwork will be on show from George Clooney, Samuel L. Jackson, Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan, Sir Bob Geldof, Snoop Dog and Heidi Klum and many others.

download: Sir Ben Kingsley Ribbon Cutting (388.43KB)
added: 31/10/2009
clicks: 13
description: October 30, 2009 Whatever It Takes Experience at Grand Hyatt Doha ©2009 Bryce Bridges photo credit must read "photo by Bryce Bridges" and must accompany all uses of image

download: Sir Ben Kingsley Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (428.47KB)
added: 31/10/2009
clicks: 23
description: October 30, 2009 Whatever It Takes Experience at Grand Hyatt Doha ©2009 Bryce Bridges photo credit must read "photo by Bryce Bridges" and must accompany all uses of image

CELEBRITY DINNER WITH SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE STARS

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:36:34 +0000

Tuesday 27 October 2009
A unique dinner with the stars of the smash-hit film Slumdog Millionaire will be one of the prizes auctioned at the Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards on Friday 30 October.

The multi-award winning director and producer team of Danny Boyle and Christian Colson will be in Doha this week to be honoured in the Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards to be held at the Grand Hyatt Doha for their humanitarian work.

“We are honoured and delighted to be accepting this 21st Century Leaders award in Qatar. 21st Century Leaders continue to achieve astonishing success in raising awareness for international development causes, and this is a fantastic opportunity to reiterate our support. We love the concept of the Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards, and hope that our special auction prize will be well received and will give the winner great enjoyment.” he says.

As part of the evening, the Slumdog Millionaire team are offering a unique prize that will be auctioned on the evening – a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the stars of the film over dinner at a top London restaurant.

The dinner will include Frieda Pinto, Dev Patel and Anil Kapoor who played the leads of Latika, Jamal, and the suspicious game show host Prem, as well as the director and producer themselves. The auction winner will also have the opportunity to pose for photographs with the cast members, Danny and Christian and their Best Picture and Best Director Academy Award statuettes.

As a permanent souvenir of the dinner event, the auction winner will also receive a special, limited edition copy of the photo-diary book ‘Nineteen Hours and Fourteen Minutes’- that documents the Oscar experience of the cast and crew on the day when the film swept the Oscars in 2008, taking home 8 awards.

The book itself is number 100 of a limited 100 issue print run, which was only made available to those directly involved with the film, and has never been available to members of the public prior to this, and will be signed by the stars on the night.

Filmmakers Danny Boyle and Christian Colson are among the first recipients of a Doha 21st Century Leader Award. Other recipients include the actors Josh Hartnett, and Sir Ben Kingsley who won an academy award for his portrayal of Mohandas Gandhi in the 1982 film Gandhi.

ENDS

For more information please contact :

Patsy Bateman (English) on patsy@21stcentury-leaders.org or +974 3233935

Farah Faisal Aburamadan (Arabic) on FAburamadan@Bell-Pottinger.co.uk or +974 582 4582

21st Century Leaders Foundation

Friends of the Environment Center (FEC)

Qatar Charity

Whatever It Takes

Whatever It Takes is a unique artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders Foundation. Over 600 leaders in the worlds of fashion, film, television, art, music and sport, have donated their artworks and have signed messages of hope for the future. This artwork is used to design and create a variety of lifestyle products which are then sold to raise funds through 4000 retail partners which includes Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lane Crawford and David Jones amongst others. Whatever It Takes works closely with their leaders to assist and encourage a generation of influencers to take ownership, engage in positive action, raise awareness among their communities, and champion the solutions to poverty and environmental degradation. Whatever It Takes raises funds for key global development causes, including poverty alleviation, the protection of children, and environmental conservation.

Grand Hyatt Doha

download: Slumdog Millionaire Dinner - Auction Prize (100.63KB)
added: 27/10/2009
clicks: 46
description: A unique dinner with the stars of the smash-hit film Slumdog Millionaire will be one of the prizes auctioned at the Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards on Friday 30 October.

MONICA YUNUS HONOURED FOR HUMANITARIAN ACHIEVEMENTS

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:30:49 +0000

28 October 2009

The talented New York Metropolitan Opera soprano Monica Yunus is to be honoured with a Doha 21st Century Leader Award, to be presented during a special gala dinner at the Grand Hyatt Doha in Qatar on 30 October.

The daughter of Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, Monica is one of the founders and co-director of the non-profit organisation Sing for Hope. The organisation mobilizes more than 600 professional artists – from classical musicians to photographers to Broadway performers – in volunteer service programs that benefit communities in need.

Inspired by the work of her father, and the plight of people suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Monica began by organising fundraising concerts with her colleagues from The Metropolitan Opera. Today, all of the programs run by Sing for Hope incorporate three core elements: a gift of time and talent from professional artists, specialised innovative artistic programming, and the final element of social change. “As well as community building and raising awareness of humanitarian causes, Sing for Hope events encourage vibrant new audiences for the performing arts, and through our educational component, introduce young people to the idea of art as a means to better our world” says Monica.

She went on to say “I am absolutely thrilled to be presented with one of the inaugural Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards and so happy to be able to attend the event in person to receive it. Recognition of my work with Sing for Hope is very important to me, and I look forward to continuing to lift our voices for further social change.”

The Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards ceremony and gala dinner will be held on 30 October to mark the humanitarian and environmental achievements of individuals who have made a serious commitment and significant impact to their chosen cause.

Famous personalities, unsung Qatari heroes and social innovators from the region who have made substantial efforts in either pioneering change within their own communities or by reaching out through humanitarian efforts and environmental projects worldwide will be rewarded and recognised on this special evening.

American actor and film producer Josh Hartnett, who came to fame after his first film role Halloween H20: 20 Years Later and in the 2001 film Black Hawk Down, will be honoured alongside esteemed British actor Sir Ben Kingsley who won an academy award for his portrayal of Mohandas Gandhi in the 1982 film Gandhi. The multi-award winning director and producer team of Danny Boyle and Christian Colson, who made last year’s smash hit Slumdog Millionaire, will also be recognised.

ENDS

For more information please contact :

Patsy Bateman (English) on patsy@21stcentury-leaders.org or +974 3233935

Farah Faisal Aburamadan (Arabic) on FAburamadan@Bell-Pottinger.co.uk or +974 582 4582

21st Century Leaders Foundation

Friends of the Environment Center (FEC)

Qatar Charity

Whatever It Takes

Whatever It Takes is a unique artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders Foundation. Over 600 leaders in the worlds of fashion, film, television, art, music and sport, have donated their artworks and have signed messages of hope for the future. This artwork is used to design and create a variety of lifestyle products which are then sold to raise funds through 4000 retail partners which includes Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lane Crawford and David Jones amongst others. Whatever It Takes works closely with their leaders to assist and encourage a generation of influencers to take ownership, engage in positive action, raise awareness among their communities, and champion the solutions to poverty and environmental degradation. Whatever It Takes raises funds for key global development causes, including poverty alleviation, the protection of children, and environmental conservation.

Grand Hyatt Doha

download: Monica Yunus (114.65KB)
added: 28/10/2009
clicks: 52
description: The talented New York Metropolitan Opera soprano Monica Yunus is to be honoured with a Doha 21st Century Leader Award, to be presented during a special gala dinner at the Grand Hyatt Doha in Qatar on 30 October.

QATARI WOMEN HONOURED FOR OUTSTANDING HUMANITARIAN WORK

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:43:00 +0000

Monday 26 October 2009

21st Century Leaders Foundation will honour three extraordinary women at their inaugural awards ceremony taking place on 30th October 2009 at Grand Hyatt Doha.

Qataris Eman Ahmed Al Obaidli and Sara Mohammed Al-Shamlan, and Palestinian Helen Shehadeh will be the first recipients of the Unsung Hero Award at the Doha 21st Century Awards ceremony. The Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards was established this year to mark the humanitarian and environmental achievements of individuals who have made a serious commitment and a significant impact to their chosen cause.

Eman Ahmed Al Obaidli, a retired elementary school teacher has spent the last seven years engaging the people of Qatar in becoming more aware of children with physical disabilities. Eman has made it her mission to increase the sensitivity and understanding of the Qatari community towards people born with physical disabilities. Eman has also raised significant awareness within Qatar for Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare spinal disorder that affects her son Ghanim. With her son as a constant source of inspiration and with a strong belief in his independence, Eman has founded Ghanim’s Wheelchair Foundation which has donated hundreds of wheelchairs to other special needs societies in the gulf region. She also started Ghanim’s Sport Club in 2008 to allow both physically disabled and able bodied children to join in together in activities as varied as karate, skateboarding and basketball. In the future, Eman’s vision for Qatar’s community includes independent accessibility for wheelchairs and integrated sport clubs

The second unsung hero to be awarded this year is sixteen year old Sara Mohammed Al-Shamlan, a student from Qatar Academy, who harnessed her passion of photography to raise awareness of some of the poorer expatriate Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi children in Qatar. Initially started for a community service project for school, she documented a number of young children in the Abu Hamour area of Doha and went on to sell the prints in her father’s jewellery shop and at a jewellery exhibition. Sara very quickly raised a huge amount of money that was used to provide the children with a proper education and basic necessities such as shoes and toys. Daughter of well-known Qatari businessman Mohamed Marzooq Al Shamlan, Managing Director of Marzooq Al Shamlan & Sons (MSS), Sara considers her father a major catalyst for her way of thinking. Sara’s work is supported by the Qatar Charity.

The third recipient of the Unsung Hero award is Helen Shehadeh, a Palestinian woman who at the age of seventy-five is actively continuing her lifes work teaching blind students. At the age of two, Helen herself lost her eyesight overnight as a result of a diphtheria epidemic. In 1981, Helen founded the Al Shurooq School for the Blind which aimed to provide blind and visually impaired children with an appropriate education and equal opportunity, while rehabilitating and integrating them into the local community. During the Gaza conflict, many students were cut off from Al Shurooq, and Helen made the decision to re-locate the school to a small villa in Beit Jala in order to continue providing them with an education. At the time of the move, Helen adopted a severely disabled child that had been abandoned by her parents and brought her with her to the villa and continued to look after her until she sadly passed away. At the time of the move, Helen was already past retirement age, and it was due to her ongoing dedication and commitment that the school continued to flourish, and they have recently been able to move into a new purpose built facility thanks to her hard work.

Other award recipients on the night include film stars Josh Hartnett and Sir Ben Kingsley and film makers Danny Boyle and Christian Colson, who will be the first recipients of Doha 21st Century Leader Awards to be presented in a special gala dinner at the Grand Hyatt Doha on the same night.

The 21st Century Leaders Foundation are working in partnership with the Friends of the Environment Center and Qatar Charity, who are supporting one of the recipients of the Unsung Hero Award Sara Mohammed Al-Shamlan, to host the awards and a series of events that will help to raise awareness of humanitarian and environmental causes.

The 21st Century Leaders Foundation was started in 2003 by Charlotte di Vita MBE and leverages the influence of well-known figures of popular culture to promote and encourage positive change for humanitarian and environmental issues facing the world today.

ENDS

For more information please contact :

Patsy Bateman (English) on patsy@21stcentury-leaders.org or +974 3233935

Farah Faisal Aburamadan (Arabic) on FAburamadan@Bell-Pottinger.co.uk or +974 582 4582

21st Century Leaders Foundation

Friends of the Environment Center (FEC)

Qatar Charity

Whatever It Takes

Whatever It Takes is a unique artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders Foundation. Over 600 leaders in the worlds of fashion, film, television, art, music and sport, have donated their artworks and have signed messages of hope for the future. This artwork is used to design and create a variety of lifestyle products which are then sold to raise funds through 4000 retail partners which includes Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lane Crawford and David Jones amongst others. Whatever It Takes works closely with their leaders to assist and encourage a generation of influencers to take ownership, engage in positive action, raise awareness among their communities, and champion the solutions to poverty and environmental degradation. Whatever It Takes raises funds for key global development causes, including poverty alleviation, the protection of children, and environmental conservation.

Grand Hyatt Doha

download: Unsung Hereos (139.39KB)
added: 26/10/2009
clicks: 39
description: 21st Century Leaders Foundation will honour three extraordinary women at their inaugural awards ceremony taking place on 30th October 2009 at Grand Hyatt Doha.

EXCLUSIVE ART AVAILABLE AT 21st CENTURY LEADERS EVENT

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:30:51 +0000

Monday 26 October 2009
An exclusive collection of artwork will be exhibited and some available for purchase as part of the 21st Century Leaders Art Exhibition at the Grand Hyatt Doha this weekend.

The exhibition will include artwork that is being shown for the first time and private work by international, regional and Qatari stars of the art world, plus art created exclusively for Doha 21st Century Leaders.

The viewing experience will be an exciting short-term addition to the burgeoning Doha art scene offering visitors the opportunity to observe work by acclaimed artists Sacha Jafri, Lorenzo Quinn and Gayle Mandle Wells alongside local Qatar artists Yousef Ahmed and Amal Al Athem and Doha-based artist Boo Beaumont.

The exhibition includes 28 pieces by Sacha Jafri which are considered his best work from his first six collections – the first time these works have been exhibited together in one place worldwide. Sacha holds the title of the youngest living artist to complete a 10 year retrospective, with none other than Picasso taking second place. Sacha Jafri’s 10 year retrospective will be visiting the top eight Museums of the world including The Met New York, The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Berlin Institute and The Arts House Singapore.

Alongside such esteemed artists, 21st Century Leaders has also asked the Whatever It Takes To Make A Difference Experience to exhibit 57 artworks by leaders of arts, sport, film, music, literature, architecture and fashion. The artwork was created by such luminaries as Sir Ben Kingsley, Danny Boyle & Christian Colson, and George Clooney from the film world, as well as Donna Karan, Heidi Klum, Sir Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen CBE, and Stella McCartney from the world of fashion. The artworks 21st Century Leaders original artwork will be on display for the first time as a world exclusive.

“Doha 21st Century Leaders are very grateful to all the artists, both international and Qatari, who have worked extremely hard to bring this exhibition together. It is our first exhibition of its type and it is very fitting that we should hold the first 21st Century Leader artist exhibition in Doha,” says Charlotte di Vita MBE, Founder and Director of Doha 21st Century Leaders.

“We hope that the Doha 21st Century Leaders platform can continue to support and facilitate local and international artists to come together. We hope that by continuing to bring together international and Qatari artists to share their combined talent, it will allow for much inspiration, empowerment and education at all levels of society, for the benefit of all.”

The art exhibition formally opens at 6pm on the 30 October with a reception attended by all the artists, prior to Doha’s 21st Century Leaders Awards Gala Dinner.

The next day, on 31 October, the exhibition will be open for a short time to the public, and the 21st Century Leaders artists will present their work. Doha 21st Century Leaders invite members of the public to an exclusive viewing from 10.30am through to 11:30am, that will include a book signing session and the opportunity to speak directly with many of the featured artists of the exhibition.

Following this, the Grand Hyatt Doha will kindly host a light luncheon for the 21st Century Leaders artists, 400 Qatari art aficionados and the Doha 21st Century Award winners and guests. The featured artists will welcome guests and present their collections. The Doha 21st Century Leader Foundation will run this with the kind help and support of Qatar’s Friends of the Environment Center, which was founded by Dr. Saif Ali Al-Hajari. The events are also being held in partnership with Qatar Charity.

Numerous pieces of the art will be for sale during the luncheon, with one piece from each of the exhibited artists available for purchase, with the bidding continuing throughout the afternoon.

ENDS

For more information please contact :

Patsy Bateman (English) on patsy@21stcentury-leaders.org or +974 3233935

Farah Faisal Aburamadan (Arabic) on FAburamadan@Bell-Pottinger.co.uk or +974 582 4582

21st Century Leaders Foundation

Friends of the Environment Center (FEC)

Qatar Charity

Whatever It Takes

Whatever It Takes is a unique artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders Foundation. Over 600 leaders in the worlds of fashion, film, television, art, music and sport, have donated their artworks and have signed messages of hope for the future. This artwork is used to design and create a variety of lifestyle products which are then sold to raise funds through 4000 retail partners which includes Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Lane Crawford and David Jones amongst others. Whatever It Takes works closely with their leaders to assist and encourage a generation of influencers to take ownership, engage in positive action, raise awareness among their communities, and champion the solutions to poverty and environmental degradation. Whatever It Takes raises funds for key global development causes, including poverty alleviation, the protection of children, and environmental conservation.

Grand Hyatt Doha

download: Exclusive Art (101.23KB)
added: 27/10/2009
clicks: 36
description: An exclusive collection of artwork will be exhibited and some available for purchase as part of the 21st Century Leaders Art Exhibition at the Grand Hyatt Doha this weekend.

UNIQUE ARTWORK FEATURING DAVID BECKHAM

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:41:42 +0000

Sunday 25 October 2009

A unique painting featuring the footprint and signature of world-famous footballer David Beckham will be auctioned at the Doha 21^st Century Leaders Awards at the Grand Hyatt Doha this Friday, 30 October.

As part of the ceremony and gala dinner a number of unique items will be auctioned including once-in-a-lifetime, money-can’t-usually-buy experiences and this David Beckham-inspired artwork, which is currently valued at USD$1.4 million.

Renowned contemporary artist Sacha Jafri, whose art is being exhibited during the Doha 21st Century Leaders Art Exhibition at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, is contributing his painting ‘David Beckham – A Celebration’ to the auction. The work is an official record of the world famous sportsman’s achievements, both on-and- off the football pitch. The painting features both Beckham’s footprint and his signature – the only painting in the world to do so.

David Beckham is expected to arrive with the rest of the England team in Qatar on the 14^th November for their final match of the year against Brazil. The November friendly match will be the England team’s first visit to the Middle East, but may not be their last, with the bid for the 2022 Qatar Fifa World Cup Bid underway. Qatar officially submitted their bid in Zurich in March, and if successful, the event will be the first major football event to take place in the country, and the first FIFA World Cup to ever take place in the Middle East.

Those being honoured on the night include film stars Josh Hartnett and Sir Ben Kingsley and film makers Danny Boyle and Christian Colson, and will be the first recipients of a Doha 21st Century Leader Award. All of the award recipients will be contributing once in a lifetime experiences to the prize auction which will take place during the gala dinner.

ENDS

For more information please contact :

Patsy Bateman (English) on patsy@21stcentury-leaders.org or +974 323 3935

Farah Faisal Aburamadan (Arabic) on FAburamadan@Bell-Pottinger.co.uk or +974 582 4582

Or visit us online at : www.doha.whateverittakes.org

Caption

Footballer David Beckham and artist Sacha Jafri with his work “‘David Beckham – A Celebration”

Film about Charlotte di Vita and Whatever It Takes (click here or enter this URL)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD2U588S7JQ

21^st Century Leaders Foundation

Grand Hyatt Doha

download: David Beckham Auction Prize ()
added: 26/10/2009
clicks: 60
description: A unique painting featuring the footprint and signature of world-famous footballer David Beckham will be auctioned at the Doha 21st Century Leaders Awards at the Grand Hyatt Doha this Friday, 30 October.