Masiela Trust Fund has raised more than P180 000 towards its dedication to enhance the well-being of orphans and vulnerable children in local communities. The funds were raised, through pledges and auction, during Masiela Trust Fund Annual Gala dinner, themed: �Ending violence against children�. The highest pledged was from Cresta Marakanelo Limited at P100 000, Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) and Letshego Financial Services with P20 000, each and Mascom, Botswana Red Cross Society and BSE Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thapelo Tsheole (in his personal capacity), with P10 000 each. Additionally, iZauri, a fashion house, by Mothusi Lesolle donated a garment, named: �Kganya�, that was auctioned and sold to the highest bidder at P5 000. A few individuals, who graced the dinner, also took turns in making some pledges to the organisation. Delivering a keynote address at the dinner, Mr Tsheole commended Masiela Trust Fund for its commitment and dedication to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children by raising financial aid through its annual gala dinner. �When you invest in the welfare of children, you are investing in the future of our nation.These children are the future workforce, entrepreneurs and leaders. We have a responsibility to ensure that they have access to opportunities and the support they need to thrive,� he added. Since its inception in 2001, as a non-profit making organisation, Mr Tsheole said, Masiela Trust Fund had been entirely dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children 'the mission which was closely in-line with the values of BSE.' He said BSE�s involvement in the fund raising dinner formed part of the entity's Corporate Social Responsibility of giving back to the society. Emphasising on the educational aspect of Masiela Trust Fund's initiative, Mr Tsheole said awareness and education were more powerful tools for social change. He said by actively participating in the Masiela Trust Fund initiative, BSE helped raise awareness about diverse challenges that vulnerable children faced in Botwana. �The more people know about these challenges, the more they are likely to be able to support and act,� he added. Masiela Trust Fund board chairperson, Mr Mokwena Morulane, thanked BSE CEO for his address at the dinner, as well all event sponsors for the support, more especially Cresta Marakanelo Limited for being the trust's constant sponsor. Masiela Trust Fund board trustee, Mr Tshepo Kelaotswe, also thanked all the sponsors and organisers for making the event a success. �I thank you all for putting together a phenomenal event and the creativity in it, whose objective will go a long way in making a difference in people�s lives, most importantly people who you don�t know and don't know you,� he said.