On 31 October 2025, the ballroom at Mahogany, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, will come alive for an unforgettable evening of purpose and glamour — Gabriel’s Charity Auction, in aid of Rescue Animals Sri Lanka (RAS). Presented by Cinnamon Grand, Hi Magazine, Wijeya Newspapers, and Aditi. The event begins at 7.30 p.m. and promises an experience that celebrates both generosity and creativity.

At its heart, Gabriel’s Charity Auction is a night dedicated to Sri Lanka’s voiceless — the countless animals rescued, sheltered, and cared for by RAS. Founded more than 25 years ago by Anusha David, RAS began with two abandoned pups she rescued as a child and has since grown into one of the country’s most active animal-welfare organisations. Today, the RAS shelter provides refuge to over 100 dogs and 30 cats, with on-site caregivers ensuring that each animal receives food, medical treatment, and affection.

Beyond the shelter, RAS feeds more than 250 street dogs daily, intervenes in cases of cruelty, and fights landmark legal battles to end elephant abuse and protect farm animals. The Trust has even prevented the export of 300,000 monkeys to Chinese laboratories, rescued 68 cattle and 124 goats from slaughter, and continues to advocate for stronger enforcement of animal-protection laws. 
For Anusha David, who named the charity after her father, Gabriel, compassion is a family legacy. “My father taught me that kindness is strength,” she says. “This auction is more than an event — it is a chance for people to stand together for the animals who depend on us.”

The auction offers a curated collection of eclectic items, each donated in the spirit of generosity. Art lovers will find treasures such as Stanley Kirinde’s sketch, Raja Segar’s “The Last Supper” valued at US $1,500, paintings by other donors, as well as pottery by Roshi Jinasena. Fashion enthusiasts can bid for designer creations, including evening dresses by Charini Suriyage and Radisi, an evening jacket by Aashkii, exquisite jewellery from Soraya Jewellers, and, for sports enthusiasts, a cricket bat autographed by Mahela Jayawardene.

Each item tells a story — of artistry, craftsmanship, and above all, compassion. Proceeds from the auction will directly fund the upkeep of the RAS sanctuary and its ongoing rescue, feeding, and advocacy programmes.

Fashion, Music, and Elegance
Complementing the auction is a fashion show featuring some of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated designers: Aditi, Brian Kerkoven, Charini Suriyage, Dhammika Amarasekara, Jaishri (Jai by Aashkii), Kamil (LIMAK), and Rajni (Radisi). Under the choreography of Brian Kerkoven, models from the BK Academy will present a preview of festive-season collections that blend evening elegance with modern flair.

The renowned Gerald Solomons and his team at Chagall will handle hair and makeup, ensuring the runway dazzles, while En Route, led by Dr Gananath Dissanayake, will provide live entertainment throughout the evening. Guests will enjoy cocktails followed by a four-course sit-down dinner, creating the perfect atmosphere for giving and celebration.

Partners in Compassion
This year’s event brings together a remarkable coalition of supporters. “Supporting RAS is a natural extension of our values,” said Mahika Weerakoon, Managing Director of Aditi. “Just as we empower women through fashion, we believe compassion towards animals and respect for the environment are essential to building a truly elegant society. Lanka IOC, a key CSR partner, has joined hands with RAS, signalling a growing recognition of animal welfare within the corporate sector. Nazoomi Azhar, General Manager of Cinnamon Grand, echoed the sentiment: “We are delighted to partner once again with Anusha David and Rescue Animals Sri Lanka. Our long association with this cause is a reflection of our shared belief in compassion and community.”

Once again Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., Gravitas Advertising, Zelus Consult - Social Media, and Proimage Videography, have extended their support to RAS,  along with the many designers and artists who have contributed their work. Co-hosts Vrai Raymond and Aritha Wickramasinghe will lead the evening’s proceedings, with Vrai also handling the auction in her signature dynamic style. and,.

A Night to Remember
Gabriel’s Charity Auction is more than a fundraiser — it is a celebration of the bond between humans and animals, art and empathy, creativity and conscience. It represents a movement toward a kinder Sri Lanka, where compassion extends beyond words to meaningful action.

As the lights dim and the first bids are placed, each gesture of generosity will help rewrite the story for an animal in need. On 31 October 2025, at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, the city will unite under one purpose: to do what we love and love what we do — for those who cannot speak for themselves.