De Costa updating guests on the progress of Saftea’s new building’s development.
AN afternoon of dancing and debal curry was organised by the Selangor and Federal Territory Eurasian Association (Saftea) to honour its late president and to raise funds for a new building.
Held at a Subang Jaya hotel and attended by some 110 guests, the event was held in memory of the association’s former president Herman Anthony, who passed away last January, said president Datuk Sheila de Costa.
Present at the event were his widow Elenor Brohier and her siblings Betty Ann (Miss Malaysia 1984), Theresa and Malcolm.
A slide show, detailing Anthony’s achievements, played on a large screen in the ballroom throughout the event’s duration.
A live band entertained guests at the buffet lunch, which was also to celebrate Easter. The guests took to the dance floor afterwards.
Adding a special touch to the event were the efforts of association deputy president Anne de Souza together with Deborah Jansz, Jennifer Thomas and Ludi Henry Buenaren Turra who teamed up to cook debal curry – a traditional Eurasian dish.
(From left) Jansz, Buenaren Turra, de Souza and Thomas with the debal curry they cooked for the event.
“Debal curry is traditionally cooked on Dec 26, when all the leftovers from Christmas Day goes into a curry.
“However, today’s version is made with fresh ingredients using chicken, smoked sausages and spices,” said de Souza.
The event raised funds too for Saftea’s new building.
De Costa said the association’s clubhouse used to be on Jalan Pudu, where it had held meetings for 60 years before it was taken over by the Urban Development Authority.
Saftea was then given a piece of land on Jalan Bangsar Utama 8, Kuala Lumpur.
“We have plans for a four-storey building where the clubhouse will be situated at the top floor,” said De Costa.
“All the building plans have been approved and marketing of the commercial parts of the building will begin soon.
“The association needs about RM3mil, including the RM258,000 development charge which we will have to pay to Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
“Construction will take about two years, including time needed for approvals from authorities like the Fire and Rescue Services Department.
“As such, we are appealing for donations to fund our association’s building,” she said.
Also present was the association’s past president and building fund trustee Datuk Nick Peterson.
“The clubhouse will be a huge milestone for the community that has been part of the fabric of Malaysian life for the past 513 years,” he said.
“Many Eurasians have served in government positions and sacrificed their lives during the Emergency and World War II.
“When the building is completed and when the community has a place to gather, it will become a catalyst for membership to grow,” said Peterson.
Saftea plans to organise more fundraising events and the lunches are slated to take place every three months.
For details, call 013-593 1645.
