EORTC Charity Gala for cancer research in Monaco

H.E. Mrs Evelyne Genta, Ambassador of Monaco to the United Kingdom, hosted a charity Gala for the EORTC, a cancer research institution, which was held on 26^th April at the Hotel de Paris in Monaco. The event gathered 200 guests amongst which numerous renowned residents and prominent Monegasque figures in presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco who has been the Honorary President of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment Cancer Research Fund since 2014.

The EORTC is an independent European, non-profit cancer research organisation whose mission is to coordinate and conduct international translational and clinical research in order to improve the standard of cancer treatment for patients. Since its establishment in 1962, the EORTC has conducted more than 1400 scientific studies among a network of over 5300 scientists in more than 37 countries and counts more than 930 university hospitals as members. The EORTC has developed a number of cutting edge clinical and treatment platforms such as Specta, Sucare and E2-Radiate which are recognised as being amongst the most innovative.

The Gala evening started with a cocktail reception on the terrace of the Hotel de Paris which was then continued in the superb reception hall, the Salle Empire. The theme of the Gala was the 60’s and 70’s with a very sixties atmosphere reflected in the music, outfits as well as the performances of the event.

The Gala was sponsored by the Julius Baer Wealth Management Private Bank, Pastor Real Estate and Mr Stefano and Mrs Ornelle Pessina, the directors of Walgreens Boots Alliance.

The Ambassador gave a welcome speech in which she thanked the prize donors as well as the sponsors of the gala who so generously offered their help with the preparation of the event. H.E. Mrs Evelyne Genta then announced H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco who spoke about the essential role that the EORTC plays in improving the standard of treatments and care provided to patients. His Highness also highlighted the link between climate change and certain types of cancers and that it is our duty to work together in order to fight those threats. He praised the fantastic work accomplished by the EORTC and The Count Diego du Monceau, the Chairman of the EORTC Cancer Research Fund, for his unwavering commitment to the cause. H.S.H. Prince Albert then thanked the guests for their generosity and mentioned that this event was an opportunity to show solidarity with the patients and the families supported by the EORTC and to offer them hope for the future.

The dinner was followed by the charity auction conducted by Mr Henry Wyndham, the co-founder of Clore Wyndham Fine Art and former Chairman of Sotheby’s, a renowned auction house. The prestigious prizes included a vintage bottle of wine Château Laffitte Rothschild 1869 gifted by the Baroness Ariane de Rothschild as well as music instruments signed by Joe Walsh, the guitarist and singer of The Eagles and Ringo Starr, the drummer of the Beatles. The Gallery Moretti Fine Art Monaco, the Jewellery Maison Vitale and the Italian fashion designer Alberta Ferretti also donated amazing prizes.

The entertainment was provided by West End musical singer, Katherine Kingsley who gave tribute to Dusty Springfield, iconic artist of the sixties.  Mrs Ornella Pessina-Barra, who also contributed to the organisation of the Gala, closed the evening with a short address.

The Gala was a great success thanks to the contribution of the generous donors and sponsors, with the total proceeds totalling one million one hundred thousand euros for the EORTC which will allow to fund numerous research projects and improve the daily life of cancer patients.