The stage is set for an unforgetable charity gala

The SapuraKencana Petroleum Malaysia Grand Prix Charity Gala is expected to live to its hype again this year, as the charity gala will be attended by a suite of international celebrities as well as exquisite charity items to be auctioned off.

The charity gala, which will be held on March 21, 2013 in The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, is also held in conjunction with the 15th edition of the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix.

The guests of honour for this year's charity gala will be Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Almu'tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Alhaj Halim Mu'adzam Shah Ibhi Almarhum Sultan Badlishah and Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah. Other guests for the event include movers and shakers of the corporate world, as well as key people in the Formula One industry.

"Among international celebrities attending the charity gala include Josh Hartnett (actor from The Pearl Harbour) , Teri Hatcher (of Desperte Housewives) and Ralph Johnson from Earth Wind and Fire," said president and group director fo SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd Datuk Mokzhani Mahathir in a media conference yesterday.

Also attended the press conference include Datuk Seri Shahril SHamsuddin, chairman of IJN Foundation and Toh Puan Datuk Seri Dr Hajjah Aishah Ong.

The charity gala, which is organised on a by-invitation-only basis, will also see items from sponsors -- including items from Formula One teams and drivers, to be auctioned off for charity.

"The proceeds from this charity gala will go IJN Foundation," said Mokhzani.

The funds made from the event will be channeled to Institute Jantung Negara (IJN), a non-profit organisation under the patronage of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor. The organisation is looking forward to more generous kind donors to contribute in their mission to help the less fortunate.

The event is also co-sponsored by many renowned brands such as CERES –The House of Goenka by Goenka Diamonds, also the Official Jeweller is donating a beautiful pair of diamond earrings worth around RM 100,000.

The Cecil Purnell, plays the role of a official watch sponsor, is donating their ‘Hamberge’ VII Tourbillon worth approximately RM500 000.

Another auction item is a two-night journey from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok in a state cabin on the famous Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train sponsored by YTL Hotels.

The official car for this year’s F1 gala evening is Sime Darby Auto Performance with Porsche Malaysia being their official importer.

Besides not only sponsoring the event and being the official venue for the evening, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur will also be the host for the international celebrities throughout their stay.

Petronas, who is a co-sponsor, is taking up the duty of bringing the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 drivers and the team to visit the IJN Paediatric ward on next Tuesday, March 19.

Last but not least, the A Cut Above will be sponsoring hairdo and make up services to make sure the celebrities look the best as they wave to the camera on the Red Carpet and the Formula 1 race in Sepang starting next week.

Besides having the opportunity to mingle with international celebrities as well as performing a good deed, guests will also be entertained by 10-time Grammy Award winner Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds.