Are you looking for an emcee to host your charity or fundraising event?
A charity or fundraising event carries a purpose that goes beyond the programme. Every part of the evening exists to move your guests toward giving. That takes an emcee who can hold the room, honour the cause, and guide the moment where people decide to open their hearts and their wallets.
Emcee Lester can also play the role of a charity event auctioneer. Click here to find out more about charity auctioneer.
Emcee Lester Leo is an experienced charity and fundraising event emcee in Singapore. He has hosted charity dinners, benefit nights, and fundraising events for medical causes, social welfare organisations, community charities, and philanthropic foundations. He understands how to keep the mission front and centre while giving your guests an evening they will remember.
Whether you are running a charity dinner, a donor appreciation night, a benefit concert, a community fundraiser, or a corporate giving campaign, Lester brings the warmth, sincerity, and stagecraft your cause deserves.
What a Charity and Fundraising Emcee Does
A charity event emcee does more than read a run sheet.
The emcee sets the emotional tone of the evening, introduces your cause in a way that connects, and carries your guests from the welcome through to the moment of giving.
When the pledge card comes out or the donation appeal begins, the room needs someone who has already earned its trust.
Lester does this with a light, sincere touch. He knows when to lift the energy and when to let a beneficiary story breathe. He keeps the programme moving so your fundraising moments land at the right time, with the right feeling, and never feel forced.
Charity and Fundraising Events Lester Hosts in Singapore
Lester has hosted a wide range of charity and fundraising events in Singapore, including:
- Charity dinners and fundraising dinners
- Benefit nights and charity galas
- Donor appreciation and stewardship evenings
- Community and grassroots fundraising events
- Non profit and social service fundraisers
- Medical, health, and patient advocacy fundraisers
- Corporate giving and CSR fundraising events
- Charity concerts and benefit performances
- Flag days, giving campaigns, and pledge drives
- Foundation and philanthropic milestone events
Home Nursing Foundation 50th Anniversary Charity Gala Dinner
Home Nursing Foundation celebrated its Golden Jubilee Gala Dinner, marking 50 years of bringing professional, compassionate healthcare from the hospital to the home. Since 1976, HNF has served patients and seniors regardless of financial circumstances, and the gala was both a milestone and a reaffirmation of that mission for the next 50 years.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the Guest-of-honour.
The evening featured HNF’s first ever musical performance, bringing to life real stories of the patients they serve, the volunteers who give their time, and the staff behind the care. Funds raised go toward ensuring high quality home nursing remains accessible and affordable for those who need it most.
Lester also served as the auctioneer for the fundraising charity auction.
Little Olive Tree Charity Gala Dinner
The Little Olive Tree Charity Gala Dinner was themed Tenfold Blessings. Organised by Presbyterian Preschool Services, the evening raised funds for the Educational Support Programme, which helps children with diverse learning and developmental needs, including autism, at Little Olive Tree preschools.
More than a fundraiser, the night invited guests to see the world through the eyes of children who learn differently, through guest stories, art sales, and a heartfelt appeal.
Funds raised go toward teacher training, classroom resources, and care for the children who need it most.
LOVE, NILS Annual Charity Gala Dinner
LOVE, NILS celebrated their Annual Charity Gala Dinner, the Shine A Light gala, at the Grand Ballroom of One Farrer Hotel. LOVE, NILS is a Singapore registered charity that supports children with cancer and their families, with programmes at hospitals including KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and the National University Hospital.
The evening brought together artwork by young cancer survivors and their siblings alongside a silent auction of items donated by partners and supporters.
Every bid and every dollar raised went toward support programmes for young patients, survivors, and their families. Lester also hosts dedicated charity auction segments for fundraising events of this kind.
Diabetes Singapore Charity Dinner
Lester was the emcee for the Diabetes Singapore 52nd Anniversary Charity Dinner, graced by Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and for Culture, Community and Youth, and Mayor of South West District, as Guest of Honour.
Established in 1971, Diabetes Singapore has long been at the forefront of diabetes care, offering support and resources to thousands of individuals and families across the nation.
Lester played a hands on role in the fundraising, hosting the live auction segment as auctioneer and running a charity raffle draw to rally the room.
Together these efforts helped the evening raise a total of $101,770 in support of the charity’s work in education, compassion, and early detection.
Heartware Network Fundraising Gala Dinner
Heartware Network’s Fundraising Gala Dinner, themed Take Heart, Transform Lives, took place at Mandarin Orchard Singapore with President Tony Tan as Guest of Honour.
Heartware Network is a youth charity that builds character and positive values in young people, engaging them to serve others and give back to the community.
The evening celebrated the resilience of youth who found courage despite difficult circumstances, and raised funds to continue transforming the lives of the young people and beneficiaries the charity reaches.
Community Chest Heartstrings Walk
Lester hosted the Community Chest Heartstrings Walk, an annual charity event jointly organised by Community Chest and Marina Bay Sands.
Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli was the Guest-of-honour.
The event, which included a vertical marathon, rallies corporate partners, volunteers, and members of the public to build a caring and inclusive society.
Bringing energy to the stage across the day, Lester helped keep participants motivated as they came together to support the beneficiaries of Community Chest.
Community Chest Christmas on a Great Street Light Up Ceremony
The Community Chest Christmas on a Great Street Light Up Ceremony was graced by President Halimah Yacob as Guest of Honour and hosted alongside Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli.
Held along Orchard Road in collaboration with SG Cares Giving Week and the Orchard Road Business Association, the ceremony invited the community to support persons with mental health conditions.
With its Christmas in Bloom theme, the evening encouraged open conversations about mental health awareness and celebrated the resilience and hope of a caring, inclusive Singapore.
More than a festive display, the light up launches Community Chest’s year end fundraising drive, rallying the public and corporate partners to give, with funds going toward more than 300 social service programmes across the sector.
Main sponsor Hitachi donated S$220,000 to Community Chest.
Singapore Pools Football with a Heart
Lester hosted Singapore Pools Football with a Heart, a charity football event graced by Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law.
He hosted the second day, which featured two charity matches and a children’s tournament run in partnership with the People’s Association PAssion Community Football programme.
The two charity matches raised an incredible $100,000, with a headline match between Team Parliamentarians and Singapore Football Legends. The day brought together community spirit, football, and fundraising for a good cause.
Seeds of Sustainable Philanthropy
Lester hosted Seeds of Sustainable Philanthropy, a collaboration between Community Chest and the Garden City Fund, the registered charity of the National Parks Board, to plant 40 trees under the Plant A Tree programme.
Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam was Guest of Honour, with Minister Masagos Zulkifli as host.
The event marked Community Chest’s 40th anniversary and put the spotlight on sustainable philanthropy as the way forward for supporting those in need, while every tree planted contributed to the OneMillionTrees Movement.
It also introduced the NCSS 4ST Partnership Fund as a catalyst for scalable solutions across the social service sector.
RHB Chinese New Year Gala Auction
At RHB Banking Group’s A Reunion to Remember Chinese New Year dinner, Lester took the stage as auctioneer and helped raise $38,000 for charity.
The beneficiary was JOURNEY, a Singapore brand under TOUCH Community Services that champions the creative talents of people with intellectual disabilities.
Three specially curated art lots were auctioned off, and RHB also purchased art pieces from JOURNEY as door gifts for guests.
The proceeds give some 60 artists the chance to earn from their work and gain visibility, helping persons with intellectual disabilities contribute to society and share their talents more widely.
Community Chest Orchard Road Christmas Light Up Ceremony
Lester was the emcee for the Orchard Road Christmas Light Up, with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as Guest of Honour, officially illuminating the festive lights.
Officially titled the Christmas on a Great Street Community Chest Light Up Ceremony, the event is jointly organised by Community Chest, part of the National Council of Social Service, and the Orchard Road Business Association.
The ceremony marked the 40th anniversary of the Christmas light up, with Hitachi as the long standing primary sponsor and The Boys’ Brigade forming the line of honour, as it has for over 30 years.
A highlight of the evening came from Extraordinary People, whose seven talented musicians with special needs took the stage with a joyful medley of Christmas songs, a fitting reminder of the caring and inclusive spirit behind the event.
More than a festive display, the light up launches Community Chest’s year end fundraising drive, rallying the public and corporate partners to give, with funds going toward more than 300 social service programmes across the sector.
Be Active @ SATS Charity Run
Lester was the emcee for the inaugural Be Active @ SATS Charity Run, organised by SATS and supported by Sport Singapore, with Ms Ho Ching, then CEO of Temasek Holdings, as Guest of Honour who flagged off the run.
The event set out to raise $150,000 for Assisi Hospice, its sole beneficiary.
The funds went toward a new vehicle for Assisi Hospice to meet the growing needs of palliative care patients who rely on its Day Care services.
Lester brought energy to the flag off and kept the morning upbeat as runners came together for a meaningful cause.
McDonald’s Pajamas Party for Ronald McDonald House Charities
Lester hosted McDonald’s Pajamas Party, a fun family event that invited guests to donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities Singapore.
The charity supports seriously ill and hospitalised children and their families, including a programme that helps families stay close together while their child receives treatment.
The event turned a festive celebration into an opportunity for giving, rallying the public behind a cause that brings comfort to families during their most difficult moments.
Singtel Christmas Bazaar Virtual Fundraiser
Lester hosted the Singtel Christmas Bazaar as a virtual charity fundraising emcee, bringing energy and warmth to an online audience during the festive season.
The virtual format allowed the bazaar to reach supporters at home while raising funds for a good cause.
An Emcee Who Helps Your Guests Give
Getting people to give is the whole point of the night, and it rarely happens by accident. Lester works with your team to place the appeal where it belongs in the programme, to frame the ask clearly, and to build the moment so guests feel moved rather than pressured.
He is comfortable driving a live pledge segment, guiding a donation drive from the stage, and celebrating each contribution as it comes in to build momentum in the room. When your event includes a charity auction, Lester keeps the energy high and the bidding lively, and you can read more on his auction emcee in Singapore page.
Handling Your Cause With Care and Sensitivity
Fundraising events often carry real emotion. There may be beneficiaries in the room, survivors sharing their stories, families who have lost someone, or a mission that means everything to the people who built it. Lester treats these moments with the respect they deserve.
He takes time before the event to understand your cause, your beneficiaries, and the tone you want to strike. On stage he is sincere and grounded, never flippant, and he handles tribute segments, survivor stories, and memorial moments with genuine care.
Charity Galas and Formal Fundraising Dinners
Some fundraising events take the shape of a formal gala, with VIP guests, protocol, and a grand ballroom setting. Lester hosts these too, and you can see his full experience with formal gala programmes on his gala dinner emcee in Singapore page. On this page the focus is the fundraising heart of your event, whatever form it takes, from an intimate charity dinner to a large benefit night.
Why Charities and Non Profits Book Lester Leo
- Real charity experience. Lester has hosted fundraising events for medical, social welfare, community, and philanthropic causes in Singapore.
- A sincere stage presence. He connects with a room and earns its trust, which is exactly what a fundraising appeal depends on.
- Command of the appeal. He places, frames, and drives donation and pledge moments so they land at the right time.
- Care for your cause. He handles emotional and sensitive segments with respect and never treats a serious moment lightly.
- Reliability. Over 15 years of hosting and more than 2,000 events across every sector.
About Charity Emcee Lester Leo
Lester Leo is a professional emcee based in Singapore with over 15 years of experience and more than 2,000 events hosted. His portfolio spans charity dinners, benefit nights, and fundraising galas for causes across the medical, social welfare, community, and philanthropic sectors, alongside corporate, government, and ministerial events.
When a cause matters, the emcee has to matter too. Lester brings sincerity, warmth, and a steady hand to every fundraising event he hosts, so your guests leave moved and your cause leaves funded.
Book a Charity or Fundraising Event Emcee in Singapore
Planning a charity dinner, fundraising night, benefit event, or donor appreciation evening in Singapore? Contact Emcee Lester Leo to check his availability and talk through your event.
To engage Lester as your charity or fundraising event emcee, inform your preferred events company, or contact him directly below.
Phone: (65) 8163 2525
Email: lester@emceelester.com
GET IN TOUCHFrequently Asked Questions
A charity and fundraising event emcee hosts the full programme of your event and, most importantly, helps move your guests toward giving. This means welcoming the room, introducing your cause with sincerity, guiding beneficiary and tribute segments with care, and driving the donation or pledge moment so it lands well. Lester Leo has hosted charity dinners, benefit nights, and fundraising events for causes across Singapore and brings both warmth and stagecraft to every one.
Lester hosts charity dinners, fundraising dinners, benefit nights, donor appreciation evenings, community fundraisers, non profit and social service events, medical and patient advocacy fundraisers, corporate giving and CSR events, charity concerts, and pledge or giving campaigns. Whatever the format, his focus is on keeping your cause front and centre while giving your guests a memorable evening.
Lester works with your team before the event to place the fundraising appeal at the right point in the programme and to frame the ask clearly. On stage he builds the moment so guests feel moved rather than pressured, guides live pledge and donation segments with energy, and celebrates each contribution to build momentum in the room. The goal is always to help your guests give generously and feel good about doing so.
Yes. Charity dinners and fundraising dinners are a core part of Lester’s work. He has hosted fundraising dinners for medical causes, social welfare organisations, community charities, and philanthropic foundations in Singapore, and he knows how to balance a warm, enjoyable evening with a clear fundraising mission.
Yes. Lester regularly hosts events for non profit organisations, social service agencies, and grassroots community groups. He understands that these events often run on tight budgets and strong emotion, and he brings sincerity and professionalism whether the room holds fifty guests or several hundred.
Fundraising events often carry real emotion, with beneficiaries, survivors, or grieving families in the room. Lester takes time beforehand to understand your cause and your beneficiaries, and on stage he handles tribute segments, survivor stories, and memorial moments with genuine care and respect. He is sincere and grounded, and he never treats a serious moment lightly.
Yes. Many fundraising events feature a charity auction, and Lester keeps the bidding lively and the energy high while guiding the segment smoothly. If an auction is central to your event, you can also read more on his auction emcee in Singapore page, and he will tailor the segment to sit naturally within your fundraising programme.
They can overlap, but the focus is different. A gala dinner is defined by its formal ballroom format, while a charity fundraiser is defined by its purpose of raising money for a cause, whatever the format. Lester hosts both. If your event is a formal gala, see his gala dinner emcee in Singapore page, and if the heart of your event is fundraising, this is the page for you.
It is best to book at least two to three months ahead, and earlier for events during peak periods such as the year end season. Popular dates and premium venues fill quickly, so reaching out early gives you the best chance of securing Lester and allows enough time to prepare the programme properly.
Yes. Lester is an experienced bilingual host and is comfortable working alongside a guest of honour, a patron, or a celebrity ambassador. He manages introductions, protocol, and stage handovers smoothly so your VIPs and your cause are both shown at their best.
Contact Lester directly by phone at (65) 8163 2525 or by email at lester@emceelester.com with your event date, venue, expected guest numbers, and a short description of your cause and programme. He will come back to you on availability and talk through how he can help make your fundraising event a success.