Chandeliers in Geylang

Dr Goh (Chairman/ one of the founders of HealthServe) just celebrated his 50 years on earth in, where else but, colourful Geylang. Honestly it felt more like an event than a personal Birthday celebration. Dr Goh really went all out and spruced up the place till it was beyond recognition. You'd think we were somewhere at the Fullerton, white billowy tents, red chandeliers, a live jazz band. The food: Sushi, kebabs, 4 cheese tortellini with cream sauce, Peking duck wraps, desserts that were simply heavenly and the list goes on. And that's not to mention the guest list! From ministers (of the country and church), doctors and directors to ex-pimps, NGO workers and migrants. I could say that we were one eclectic (eccentric) bunch. It was really nice. Felt a bit like a wedding. Haha... Everyone joked that they secretly suspected that Dr Goh was inviting them to his wedding, for who sent out birthday invites nowadays?

Red Chandelier

Apart from it's apparent show of affluence, I felt it was for a noble cause. Instead of gifts he made his guests write a cheque to one of five causes that he championed - HealthServe being one of them of course. Some might not think much of this since Dr Goh being who he is and his economic status, what are gifts to him anyway? Some might even think that it is his 'duty' to give back to society since he already has so much. Perhaps, perhaps not. It's his birthday; people usually want the focus to be on them. He could have made it such that he could showcase his accomplishments. Or just have a party with his friends and celebrate 'him'. But he didn't, even as he thought about where he was headed next, he thought about the people who didn't have the privileges he's had. I think it takes humility and generosity. In a world where we think about 'what's in it for me', it's refreshing and inspirational to be around people who think 'what about them'. It made me think about this whole idea of amassing 'stuff', already I have all that I need to live comfortably. So I don't really need more... I just want more. So yes, I've been inspired to be more selfless. This year I shall make all my friends help a cause instead of wasting money on more stuff for me.