Tawasul urgently appeals for more contributions to drastically increase orphans' university funding by 1500% from 2 to 30 beneficiaries

Fadi Yazigi among the highly renowned artists in the online auction, with 17 artworks remaining

UAE, Sharjah, 27th August 2013: As the countdown to the end of Tawasul's online art auction gathers pace, the charity has appealed for more art lovers and philanthropists to get involved and boost its quest to benefit as many orphans as possible. The auction has so far raised about AED 630,000, but this will only cover university studies for two orphans - as opposed to the 30 orphans which organizers are targeting to sponsor.

The famous artists whose masterpieces are part of the online auction include Fadi Yazigi, the 47-year-old Syrian master who has captivated bidders with his depictions of ordinary people as underdeveloped creatures and half-human beasts. His innovative techniques range from bronze casting to direct painting on furniture to stunning newspaper art, and some of his mesmerizing art is still up for auction. 

Jasmin Ruehling, Program Executive at Sharjah Business Women Council for the Tawasul Online Charity Auction, elaborated: “While we express our heartfelt gratitude for those whose generosity has raised over US$170,000, the unfortunate reality is that university studies are highly cost-intensive and time-intensive, hence current funds are only sufficient to sponsor two orphans. Given that we have so many academically gifted orphans, it would be a heartbreaking tragedy and travesty if the other ambitious youths were denied their right to rise above their under-privileged backgrounds through education.”

Participation in the online auction will give art lovers a front-row opportunity to bid for the remaining 17 artworks from 26 of the Arab world's most celebrated and emerging artists hailing from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Syria, Palestine, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan.

As the brainchild of the Sharjah-based Tawasul Orphans Education Fund, the auction is held under the generous patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Patron of Sharjah Business Women Council.

Ms Ruehling added: “These are so much more than just donations; these are investments in tomorrow's leaders. We have always passionately believed in sustainable contributions that help orphans to help themselves, and there is no better way than tertiary education to empower tomorrow's visionaries in all fields. This is a perfect win-win scenario for both the orphans and participants, who will benefit from precious artworks in diverse fields encompassing sculpture, painting, photography, graphic and video art, among others.”

The auction runs until 20th August 2013, and all interested participants are urged to immediately place their bids for the 17 remaining artworks on Tawasul's online charity auction website: www.tawasulfund.ae/home

Tawasul

Tawasul Orphans Education Fund is a leading Sharjah-based charity that empowers underprivileged orphans through education, so that they can positively contribute in transforming society. It aims to fund 30 orphans in 2013, and is raising funds through the online auction of artworks by 26 of the Arab world's brightest talents. Tawasul was initiated by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry in partnership with Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC). As part of its innovative fundraising endeavors, Tawasul is holding an Online Charity Auction under the generous patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Patron of Sharjah Business Women Council. Interested art enthusiasts and philanthropists are invited to bid for masterpieces in the ongoing auction on www.tawasulfund.ae/home

Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC)

Sharjah Business Women Council was established under a decree by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Patron of Sharjah Business Women Council. SBWC was established on 27 March 2002 as an initiative by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry. It strives to support the integration of women in all economic activities, utilizing expert guidance to develop women's personal skills, creativity and performance in all professional and business endeavors.