Dancing in a winter wonderland
The glittering Christmas decorations during the holiday season make Monaco shine all around, with beautifully decorated pine trees, the nativity trail and a plethora of decorations. This past Saturday, December 15, 2018, the legendary Salle Belle Époque of the splendid Hermitage Hotel in Monte-Carlo, was transformed into a glamorous Christmas in Wonderland inspired by the celebrated amusement park of Hyde Park in London, that immersed the elegant guests into a fairytale soiree for the 13th edition of the highly anticipated Christmas Ball.
The Ball is organized by Sandrine Knoell-Garbagnati of 5 Stars Events, under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco, and with the lead sponsorship this year of the prestigious Galeries Bartoux, recently installed near the Casino Square in Monte-Carlo.
This glamorous event marks the beginning of the winter season festivities in the Principality with the elegant guests adding to the allure and spirit of the holiday season.
Famous German designer Philipp Plein, businessman Flavio Briatore, Italian businessman Sergio Mantegazza, Lady Monika Bacardi, Prince Charles de Bourbon and his wife Princess Camilla de Bourbon, were among the distinguished guests. The traditional Santa Claus came for a visit as he does every year.
This year’s entertainment was assured by The Jacksons Twinz Danger & Preach, and a spectacular show by Visionnair. Famed DJ Andrea T Mendoza, Resident of Billionaire kept the fun loving elegant ladies in splendid robes and handsome men in tuxedos dancing all night long!
Funds raised for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation
Over € 52,000 were raised from proceeds from the prestigious live auction conducted by Sotheby’s and a raffle, in the presence of Gareth Wittstock, General Secretary of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and brother of Princess Charlene. The attractive items presented this year had been kindly offered by generous reputable donors, with the funds raised benefiting the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, whose objective is to help children around the world to become responsible adults, through teaching the values of sport and solidarity. Since its inception this famous Christmas Ball has collected more than € 600,000 for different charity associations in the Principality, proving that glamour and social responsibility go hand in hand.
The mission of the Princess’ Foundation is to promote the benefits of sporting activities, teach children and adults the value of basic swimming expertise, water safety, first-aid and drowning prevention skills, and foster national and international amateur sports competitions. The Foundation is equally involved in communicating the values of sports, respect for oneself and others, determination and teamwork, with the firm belief that sport is a tool that contributes to the wellbeing and development of children. Their goal is that water awareness education becomes a life skill in all schools.
Since its creation in 2012, the Foundation has been saving lives by preventing death from drowning, through the development of hundreds of projects in many countries around the world, creating awareness for hundreds of thousands people, mainly children, who benefit from the Foundation’s life-saving programs.
Top class sponsors & prestigious international committee
Galeries Bartoux was this year’s prestigious lead sponsor. Lady Monika Bacardi, Sabrina Monte-Carlo, Akilllis jewelry and Hello Monaco were among the generous partners, plus the participation of Liquid Gold, ArtSGK, Narmino Sorasio.
Sandrine Knoell-Garbagnati counts with the valuable collaboration of very good friends who are longtime members of the Ball’s International Action Committee. Present at the Ball this year were Inna Maier, Lady Monika Bacardi; H.R.H. Princess Camilla de Bourbon; Ekaterina Butorina; Marquise Roberta Gilardi-Sestito, and fashion designer and artist Elizabeth Wesselwho created the invitation’s design again this year.
Today’s Quote
“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.”Minor Myers
Monaco Reporter 