DHAHRAN: The Saudi Cancer Foundation in the Eastern Province hosted “Ramadan Unites Us,” an evening of Saudi food, live entertainment and games on Friday night.

Held at the Al-Muhaidib Down Syndrome Center, known as “Hiba,” the gathering was full of jubilation and plenty of prizes for children, including one for best traditional attire.

With booths dedicated to various parts of the vast Kingdom, the event included a live performance from the Hejaz region and several cartoon-like characters wearing costumes, as live drumming reverberated with lively chanting.

There were plenty of opportunities to learn about the foundation’s activities as prizes were awarded to those who correctly responded to related questions asked via a microphone.

Essam Al-Jafari, executive director of the Saudi Cancer Foundation, spoke to Arab News about his excitement as the event unfolded.

“Tonight, we’re spreading joy to every single person connected to the Saudi Cancer Foundation,” Al-Jafari said.

“It has become a Ramadan tradition to get everyone together: cancer patients, cancer survivors and their families, their kids, grandkids and neighbors, too.”

As cheerful chatter spread and the cooler breeze swept across, the free event was well attended.

“We went all out. We have around 25 booths tonight, offering food, drinks, coffee, activities — you name it — encapsulated into one memorable, family-friendly, fun night,” Al-Jafari added.

“Everything you see here is completely voluntary — every one of the vendors is volunteering their time. It was all given from the heart.”

One such vendor was Dr. Lulwah Abed Al-Musallam, a medical doctor who started a luxury accessories brand, Lulu’s Creations, six years ago.

“I’m from here; this is my hometown, and I used to always volunteer with the foundation when I was in medical school; I’m really well known here for volunteering — our relationship is more than 10 years,” Al-Musallam told Arab News.

“I had two passions when I was a child: I used to always want to save lives, of course, and help people, and I also had fashion to make,” she said.

“I started working with natural things — I love everything natural in this world. I believe that the more natural, the more it speaks to you.

“I started to work with pearls because my name is Lulwah (‘pearl’ in Arabic), and then stones. I started doing jewelry.”

Her 7-year-old daughter helped man the booth as customers purchased sparkly rings and earrings.

There were also many youngsters taking in the experience.

Arab News spoke with three relatives: 11-year-old Leena Al-Joghaiman, her 9-year-old cousin Shahad Al-Faraj and their 11-year-old aunt, Sara Al-Omair, all of whom were ecstatic to be there.

“I watched all the shows and it was really nice. There’s lots of people and the food is nice too — I tried my brother's popcorn,” Al-Joghaiman told Arab News.

“It is my first time coming here and I like it. I like the Ramadan lights and the DJ and stuff,” Al-Faraj added.

“It’s a very good event. The weather is very nice out here, and they made it look like the old times,” Al-Omair chimed in, gesturing to the traditional decorations and setting.