News & Events

 

June 2010, Working Together for a Cause:
ISG Dammam’s Performing Arts Auction and Dinner

 


Often words are insufficient …

 

Words may not fully capture the pride one feels when their child is recognized for a particular skill or contribution to their community.

 

We may also find it hard to describe why we like a specific form of artistic expression; it appeals to us, expresses how we are feeling or perhaps simply makes us smile.

 

The words never come either when struck by sadness and fear. When we learn that a trusted teacher, friend or family member has been diagnosed with cancer – how can we possibly find the words to express how much they mean to us?

 

Working together as a community, however, we draw courage from those around us and find creative ways to express our emotions, to support one another and give back. Together we make a difference.


On May 13, 2010, the students, staff and parents of International Schools Group - Dammam did exactly this; contributing a record 43,000 SAR to the Saudi Cancer Foundation with proceeds from a successful performing arts dinner and auction entitled “Working Together for a Cause.”


Designed as a benefit for the Saudi Cancer Foundation funds were generated through the sale of tickets and proceeds from an auction of student-donated artwork and a student-sponsored walk-a-thon.


The true significance of this generous donation to by ISG-Dammam, however, can’t be fully understood until you talk with the people involved; learn what motivated them and the lasting impact of their involvement.


With final exams approaching, students worked diligently during art class, sacrificed recess time and worked after school for three weeks leading up to the event to get ready for the auction and performance.


Damman’s art teacher, Mrs. Rubina Sajid, motivated the students to produce quality work. “As a teacher we plant ideas in the minds of our students but we also learn from them. They take a simple concept and add their own unique approach. It was wonderful to see the students develop their artistic skills.”


With all the proceeds going to the Saudi Cancer Foundation, auction goers were generous with their bids, becoming veritable art collectors over the course of the evening. One family in fact, contributed a total of 7,000 SAR through their artwork purchases.


Several paintings and mosaic works inspired by natural scenery, life in Saudi and cultural expression, fetched more than 2,000 SAR each.


Yesmin Hashmin’s (pictured above) painting of Arabic calligraphy, containing a Quranic verse in the form of a male silhouette seated in a prayer position was the prized painting of the evening and auctioned for 3,500 SAR. Another student, Hussein Adel Almahjali raised 2,500 SAR for cancer survivors with his beautiful painting depicting Godzellabella.

 

The success has rippled through the lives of these young philanthropists and budding artists in innumerable ways.


While visiting ISG Dammam, I met with high school art students (pictured below) Yesmin Hashmin, Rachelle Vistada, Sasha Bukhari and Afnan Ali as well as contributing artists from the middle school (pictured to the right), Yuri Oh, Ayah Safi, Fajar Azim and Wafa Satti. After the auctioning of their work, the students were stunned. “I just never dreamed that my painting would be given such value,” described Yasmim. “Since the fundraiser,” Sasha explained, “we have been asked if we can duplicate our original artwork and have been commissioned to create special paintings or drawings for other staff and community members.” “Our teachers call us artists and we feel so proud," explained Ayah.
The evening featured two hours of artistic performances in addition to the art auction. One of the highlights was a performance by the group Tecktonik (pictured on following page).


Tecktonik could be described as a blend of break dancing, techno or trance movements and consists of a choreography of hand movements performed by a center artist who then ‘hands off’, or transfers attention to the next member in the group as would a jazz trio while improvising.


“Whenever I go to the mall,” explains Ahmed, the group’s founder, “people ask me if I am a member of the group and it is fun to see the younger kids trying to copy our moves.”


“The great thing about Tecktonik,” describes Bassel, “is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. The movements are freestyle and unique for each person. I can express myself and interpret the music in my own way, yet be part of a group.”


His fellow performers Joey, Bassel, Hussam, Samer and a second Ahmed agree and also explained how working on their performance and using their creativity helped to relieve stress leading up to their exams and gave them something to believe in; a sense of purpose.


The art students had similar comments to offer and felt that the confidence gained from their experience definitely improved their ability to concentrate and do well in their other studies. “We accomplished something incredible” commented Sasha, “We know now that we can always improve. There is a no such thing as failure.” ISG Dammam students’ success is proof of this, and what better lesson could be learned at such a young age.


“It was a real confidence booster,” expressed Joey. “So many people think that they can’t do it, but they just need to try, practice and not be afraid.”


“It was for a great cause,” explained student and contributing artist Yasmin, an 11th Grade ISG Dammam student. The students felt so motivated.” Mrs. Rubina Sajid explained. “Our students love Mrs. Harrison and were inspired by the courage she has shown in her battle against cancer.” Another student at ISG Dammam is also fighting cancer. The art auction and performances gave the students something to fight for and a way to give back.


The event also strengthened the sense of community between ISG Dammam and the parents of the participating students. It meant so much to the students that their parents attended the event. “They see me differently,” explained Sasha, “They understand the value of what we are doing.” Yuri explained proudly how her mother bought her a huge colored pencil set and how she looks forward to drawing over the summer. She awards her parents with helping to motivate her to continue learning and practicing her talent.

 

On that evening, a partnership was also cemented between the Saudi Cancer Foundation and ISG Dammam. The Foundation has proposed that next year cancer patients participate directly in the fundraising event; sit-in on art classes at the school, serve as contributing artists along with the students, and attend the event as invited guests. Working side-by-side, next year’s experience will be powerful for both students and patients.


To make the event, “Working Together for a Cause” a success, ISG Dammam incorporated learning and skill-building into preparations for the benefit; challenging their students to lend their talent and creativity in support of the Saudi Cancer Foundation. The end result was a deeply meaningful experience for educators, students, parents and their courageous colleagues and community members who have fought against this terrible illness. The partnerships created and the confidence earned by the students will have a lasting impact.


As described so eloquently by Ayah, “Expression is an amazing thing; to be able to do what you feel and have your work be appreciated is wonderful”. As Lebanese philosopher Khalil Gibran once said “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."


The students and staff at ISG Dammam experienced the strength of their kindness and found words were unnecessary to express their love and admiration for Mrs. Harrison and their fellow student – they demonstrated their feelings through kindness, which as explained by American author Mark Twain “… is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can read.”


ISG Dammam and ISG District Offices would like to thank Chairman Sheikh Abdulaziz Ali Al-Turki (pictured on the left), Dr. Mohammed Adel El-Sayes (seated to the right) and Emad H. Al-Ghussaini (pictured center) of the Saudi Cancer Foundation.


 

 

 

 

Author:
Catherine Geisen-Kisch, ISG District
Administrative Assistant for Public Relations, Alumni and Development

 

 

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