HSH Prince Albert joined guests at welcome cocktail
The highly anticipated, traditional Christmas Ball in Monte-Carlo took place on Saturday, December 6, 2014 in the magnificent Salle Belle Epoque of the Hermitage Hotel, honouring the city of Moscow as part of the Russian year celebrations, and marking the beginning of the winter season festivities in the Principality. This cosmopolitan Ball is organized by 5 Stars Events under the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, who found time out of his busy schedule to join the distinguished guests at the welcome cocktail wishing everybody Happy Holidays! To think that only 4 days later HSH Princess Charlene would give birth to their royal twins Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, a truly historic moment for the Principality. A perfect Christmas present!
The legendary luxury Swiss watches manufacturer Audemars Piguet founded in 1875, was the prestigious main sponsor who also graciously donated a Lady Royal Oak watch for the live auction. Material Solution Gmbh, Chik Radio Monte-Carlo and M&A Autosport were among the generous partners. The Ball’s International Action Committee is made up of highly accomplished international women, and this year it was represented by Executive Committee members Inna Maier and yours truly Celina Lafuente de Lavotha; as well as Marquise Roberta Gilardi-Sestito and Monegasque artist Elizabeth Wessel who designed the cover of the invitation.
As luxury and glamour rhythms perfectly with social responsibility, the highlight of the evening was a live charity auction conducted by Cyrille Cohen of Sotheby’s, and a raffle with attractive lots from generous reputable donors, presented by famous Russian-Croatian model, actress and TV presenter Olga Rodionova. It is the season of giving, and over Euro 60,000 were raised for the association Outward Bound, presided by Michael Pegram, which main mission is helping young people discover their full potential by participating in professionally organized, challenging outdoor activities.
The majestic decor evoked all the splendour of a Red and Gold Christmas with scents of snow that wrapped the elegant guests in the magic of the Holiday season. The very young and talented Russian model, actress, rock and pop-singer Polina Butorina, delighted the guests with her beautiful voice and added to the glamour of this magic and memorable event.
The entertainment program this year was very appropriately the Faberge Egg Show, as a tribute to Russian art and culture. DJ Andrea T Mendoza, Resident of Billionaire kept the fun loving guests dancing all night long!
Outwardbound Monaco – A life changing experience
The Outward Bound Trust founded back in 1941 was intended originally as a survival school for merchant navigators who could face a shipwreck to cope with challenging situations. After the war, the school was recognized as more than a place for learning survival skills, and that their program could be valuable for everybody, who could apply that know-how to teamwork and leadership.
Outward Bound Monaco was established in 2004 as an affiliate of the association in the UK, so they celebrated their 10th anniversary this year. The main objective at the time was to sponsor young people educated in the Principality to attend a UK based Outward Bound course, with the ultimate goal of setting up an adventure camp in and around Monaco to gather youngsters from both countries in a new and challenging Monegasque Outward Bound experience. With this in mind exceptional fundraising events are organized.
Their mission is to unlock the potential in young people through discovery and adventures in the wild. With the belief that we all have undiscovered potential, the association’s objective is to create situations enabling participants to increase their self-esteem, learning useful lessons that will in turn be a life changing experience.
For detailed information visit www.outwardboundmonaco.com
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