Mangalore: The annual CASK Reunion of members is one of the much awaited and popular events of Mangalore. True to that reputation, CASK Annual Reunion held at Mangalore Club on 4th December 2021, was a spectacular event of fun and entertainment heralding the true Christmas spirit with Christmas carols sung melodiously by groups in both Konkani and English.
The programme commenced with a Prayer conducted by Patsy Lobo, Vice-President-CASK, thanking God for all the blessings bestowed on CASK and all its members. Specially remembered were the beneficiaries of the CASK Charitable projects – 34 students who lost one or both parents due to Covid, the 25 ‘Differently-abled children’ at AshaDeepa-Chikmagalur and the 18 ‘Differently-abled adults’ at Veronicas Vihar-Mangalore. The entrance had a ‘Standee’ that highlighted CASK projects - Scholarships for deserving students, Personality development for students. Teacher Enrichment Programme, Footwear for barefoot children, Safe Drinking water units in rural schools, Home for Homeless, Promotion of Blood, Organs & Whole Body Cadaveric donations etc. The prayer was followed by a rendition of the Silent Night and while the hymn was played, the members of the Governing Council of CASK placed offerings consisting of items of daily use, at the feet of Baby Jesus. These offerings will be donated to the inmates of AshaDeepa-Chikmagalur.
It was indeed an unique start for the evening’s programme. The sisters-Marissa & Marjorie entertained the guests with a hilarious Konkani dialogue “Gajalyo” as they called it. This was followed by a Fashion Show titled “Christmas in Our Hearts”. Then came half an hour of singing - old favorites and carols, in both Konkani and English, with the guests-young and old, joining in full gusto and many moving on to the dance floor, exercising to their heart’s content. It was then time for dinner catered by JoJo caterers, even while the Dance Floor was filled to capacity.
Captain Vincent Pais, President-CASK warmly welcomed the guests. Gulobi Fernandes, Joint-Secretary-CASK proposed a Vote of Thanks. She Specially thanked the sponsors – MCC Bank, Karnataka Agencies, Ideal Chicken, A. R. D’Souza & Sons, Waterjet Engineers, NForce Builders/Developers, Jananial Enterprises, Walter D’Souza, Vincy Andrade, Archie Menezes. Jake Texeira did a superb job as the MC; DJ-Cletus provided a mixture of delightful music; Young Dominic Saldanha, a talented photographer captured all the events. The oldest guest – 94 year-old Valerian Rego was duly recognized and honoured.
The entire show was the brainchild of Nayana Fernandes, Past President-CASK, with her flair for meticulous planning and execution. She was ably supported by Ramona Mathias, Ratna Pinto, Sonali Mathias, Beena Gonsalves, Sandra Mascarenhas and Paul Mascrenhas.