Showing their thoughtful care to the needy cancer patients, over 500 generous donors joined “All the Way with Ray” Gala Dinner co-hosted by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and Yan Oi Tong tonight (8^th May, 2010). Donations raised would be given to the “Yan Oi Tong Chong Sok Un Cancer Fund”, hoping to provide solid financial support to the cancer patients so as to ensure their receipt of appropriate medical treatments.

 This year also marks the 60^th anniversary in broadcasting of Hong Kong’s veteran DJ Ray Cordeiro (best known as “Uncle Ray”). As a tribute to his continuous dedication in promoting pop music for years, “All the Way with Ray” Gala Dinner was honoured to have more than 20 artists and bands from different decades singing English oldies. Showing his support to the cancer patients, Uncle Ray personally donated his special collections for the charity auction during the dinner.

 “All the Way with Ray” Gala Dinner started with the song “Over the Rainbow” sung by a little girl from the Hong Kong Children’s Choir. The turning-on of a giant radio by the Chairperson of Yan Oi Tong Shirley Chong Sok-un and Acting Director of Broadcasting Gordon Leung Chung-tai unfolded a series of splendid performances. These included a medley of 60s oldies sung by Big AL and the Jade, William Chan, Vincy, Justin, Eric Suen, Ella Koon, Jason Chan and Sherman Chung, while the later four also sang the song “Summer Nights” as a salute to 70s. William Chan and Sherman Chung together with the dance club members of the Chinese University of Hong Kong saluted to “King of Pop” of 80s, Michael Jackson, by performing his “Beat It” with styles. HotCha imitated Wonder Girls by singing the latest hit “Nobody”’ with special dance performance. Furthermore, renowned singers Teddy Robin, Christine Samson, Albert Au, Elisa Chan, Joe Junior, Danny Summer, Maria Cordero, Danny Diaz, Michael Remedios, Ricky Fung and the Mystics took the audiences through the time tunnel of music with their fascinating voices. Teddy Robin, Christine Samson and Albert Au also crossovered with the pop singers, adding fresh elements to the classics. These included “Lies” sung by Teddy Robin and Jason Chan, “You Don’t Have to be a Star” sung by Christine Samson and Justin, and “Today” co-performed by Albert Au and Vincy.

 The event reached its climax when all the singers sang together expressing their respects to Uncle Ray, while Uncle Ray also talked about his feelings with 60 years of broadcasting experience. Uncle Ray, who now aged 85, is a Hong Kong-born Portuguese. He kicked off his broadcasting career at Rediffusion in 1949. In 1960, Uncle Ray joined RTHK as the Head of Light Music. He then started his longest broadcast radio programme in Hong Kong, “All the Way With Ray”, in 1970. In the broadcasting industry for over half a century, Uncle Ray stays enthusiastic as a DJ in the promotion of music culture both in Hong Kong and overseas. Besides introducing fine pieces of English songs in different decades, he also helps in nurturing new local bands, including Teddy Robin & the Playboys, Sam Hui & the Lotus and many others. Uncle Ray’s passion for and contributions to the broadcasting industry are well-received. He was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), the Life Time Achievement in Broadcasting Award, Guinness World Records the World’s Most Durable Radio DJ and HKSAR’s Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS). As a DJ for 60 years, Uncle Ray has become friends of many international superstars. One of his favourite singers and close friends, Sam Hui, surprised Uncle Ray with his song “Just a Little” in the gala dinner tonight, while another superstar Cliff Richard delivered his voice message to congratulate Uncle Ray on his 60^th anniversary in broadcasting.

 “All the Way with Ray” Gala Dinner was hosted by Alyson Hau. The event will be broadcast on RTHK Radio 2 (FM94.8-96.9) at 9pm on 9^th May, and Radio 5 (AM783, FM92.3 in Tin Shui Wai, FM99.4 in Tseung Kwan O, FM106.8 in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long) at 4pm on 10^th May. The television version will be aired on 26^th June from 9:35pm to 11:05pm at ATV Home. Web users are welcome to visit RTHK On Internet (www.rthk.org.hk) for the archives.