Pictured above: TV Dragon James Caan is guest speaker at a Pakistan Flood Appeal fundraising dinner in Solihull on 12th November

Organisers of a Bollywood style fundraising Ball at which entrepreneur, businessman and TV's Dragons' Den star James Caan is guest speaker, are reporting 'incredible support' from Birmingham's business and religious communities.

Law firm Challinors, in association with Birmingham's St Philips Chambers and award-winning restaurant Itihaas have joined forces to organise the fundraising dinner at Solihull's St John's Principal Hayley Hotel on Friday 12th November, which has attracted an array of unique donations for the event's auction and raffle, as Challinors Partner Ghulam Sohail explains:

"Not only have we almost sold out for this fundraising event, but we have received numerous cash donations for the Appeal and many auction and raffle donations. These include a pair of boxing gloves from Prince Naseem, a signed swimming costume from Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington, Premiership football club signed shirts and match tickets, a cricket bat signed by the England team donated by the Professional Cricketers Association, and signed Sir Stephen Redgrave and Peter Andre memorabilia.

"All proceeds from the event will be distributed to at least two Foundations and Charities tasked with implementing the reconstruction phase of the flood-affected areas of Pakistan, in particular the building of schools, hospitals and houses. Based on the incredible generosity and support we have witnessed already, I am confident we could raise between £30,000 and £40,000 for the Appeal."

MD of Itihaas restaurant Raj Rana adds: "With the preparation for the religious festivities of Eid, Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti fast approaching, it seems that the plight of the millions in Pakistan affected by the devastating floods is very much in everyone's minds. All communities, irrespective of race and religion, have come together for a common cause, reflecting the solidarity and unity of all communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands, something which should be applauded. The fundraising event has sparked some creative and innovative fundraising ideas." 

James Caan, who set up The James Caan Foundation, is committed to helping the victims affected by the floods in Pakistan. Caan visited Pakistan in August when he personally delivered food packages to thousands of families left homeless and starving by the floods. He has now embarked  on the 'Build a Village' project to help those victims get their lives back on track by rebuilding their homes and providing them with the necessary infrastructure to rebuild their lives.   

The evening will also feature a host of Bollywood-themed entertainment including Bollywood dancers, and a fine dining experience courtesy of Itihaas restaurant. 

Challinors' Ghulam Sohail adds: "We have all seen the devastating scenes from Pakistan over the last few weeks and the impact the floods have had on the country, which have left an estimated twenty million individuals homeless and struggling for food. We hope that through ticket sales, the auction and raffle on the night and the continued support of the local communities, that the dinner will raise significant funds for the Appeal. We are delighted that James Caan is able to join us as guest speaker at the event, and consider it a real honour he is to visit Birmingham for the fundraiser.

"Tickets are selling fast for this unique event, so I would urge those interested in taking part to book their places as soon as possible."

To book tickets for the event and for information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Ghulam Sohail on 0121 553 3211 or email: ghulam.sohail@challinors.co.uk.