Earlier this year, Shaz Memon put on an event to remember for the dental profession. Seb Evans looks forward to the next ‘For the chosen few’ event.
Digimax’s Shaz Memon hosted one of the most cryptic events in the dental calendar earlier this year, named ‘For the chosen few’.
Around 250 guests from around the profession (and Bollywood superstars) joined Shaz to help raise money for the charity Wells on Wheels.
And the event did not disappoint. It was in a secret location, revealed through riddles on text messages and wax-sealed invites.
‘The aim was to create some intrigue and excitement about the event,’ Shaz explained to Dentistry.
‘We kept the location secret until the last minute – and the venue certainly didn’t disappoint.
‘With acrobatics, themed drinks, fire breathers and entertainers, paparazzi and even road closures around the venue, it was an event like no other in the dental calendar.’
Wells on Wheels
The ultimate aim of the night was to raise awareness for the charity launched by Shaz, Wells on Wheels.
Founded in 2019, the charity raises money for the water wheel invention which is delivered to rural areas of India.
Typically, women, often children, are forced to walk for miles to access water. They then carry a heavy metal pail balanced on their heads. This often leads to musculoskeletal disorders and risks disability and preventing them from attending school.
A simple concept, the wheel means children in rural India can access clean water and roll it home rather than carrying it, avoiding the potential for injury and most importantly gaining access to an education.
‘I was inspired by the simple office water cooler bottle that is delivered in the thousands every day throughout the UK,’ Shaz explains.
‘As a designer and problem solver, looking at this bottle on our water cooler got me thinking.
‘Surely, we could roll large amounts of water instead of loading it on our heads?
‘One thing led to another and now we have this simple concept of the wheel. Our research shows that each wheel impacts on the lives of five people, including three children.
‘The influence of the wheel continues to grow. And while it still has a positive impression on people’s lives, I will continue to push the message.’
Celebrity guests
The acrobats weren’t the only people grabbing everybody’s attention during the fundraising night.
Shaz also invited his good friend and Bollywood superstar, Sanjay Kapoor to give a speech to attendees.
Familiar to many, Sanjay Kapoor is the star of Netflix smash hit alongside Madhuri Dixit in The Fame Game as well as a Wells on Wheels ambassador.
During his speech he highlighted the impact Wells on Wheels is having in rural India.
‘It was important for me to have a recognisable voice highlighting the positive impact Wells on Wheels is having,’ Shaz points out.
‘Once Sanjay had seen and heard what the charity did, he was quick to sign up and help. As a father to a daughter himself, he understood my motivations.
‘And he’s been an ambassador ever since. Even taking the time to fly over from India and speak at “For the chosen few”.’
Shaz is also working on his feature documentary for Wells on Wheels, titled No Water Land, which is set to have an exciting release in 2023.
For the chosen few
Judging by the last few events run by Shaz, the dental profession can start getting excited about what’s in store for future events.
‘For the chosen few’ now has a proud record of running well-attended, exciting and different events for those in dentistry.
And, although he has set an intimidating level to reach, Shaz is looking forward to launching tickets for the next event.
‘We’re all about innovating and creating something new,’ Shaz explained.
‘The first two events really captured the imagination, showing what we’re about.
‘We can’t run the same event again – it’s already been done. So, it’s up to myself and my amazing team at Digimax to innovate and come up with something new.
‘Next year will not disappoint. Make sure you grab your tickets when they become available.’
