The 5th Annual Roberto Bazzoni Onlus Fundraising Gala Dinner took place on 9th July at the East Wintergarden. We were amazed and truly grateful for the generosity and resolve of all those who so kindly supported our projects with their presence, sponsorship and donations.
We must pay special tribute to our main sponsor (Pioneer Investments), our unwavering Gold Sponsors, (HSBC, Lehman Brothers, Société Générale), and our bronze sponsor (Royal Bank of Scotland). Despite unfavourable market conditions they continue to show immense solidarity. This is truly heartening and certainly we could not continue without their help.
The evening opened with a cheerful uplifting welcome from Fanfara. Their quirky sunny notes offered contrast with some of Sebastiano’s and Carlo’s words. The stories they related to us this year were difficult to hear. Omid Djalili, the self proclaimed only Iranian comedian in the world, set off some uproarious guffaws and the evening was closed with an auction of some wonderful artworks by Dali, Matisse, Chagall and Moore. A special mention of the Broad Gallery must be made for their generous donation.
Thank you to all of you who played part in allowing us to raise over €354,000. This sum, free from any overheads, will go directly to our projects in Zimbabwe. Now more than ever this help is needed as the central problem of AIDS has been exacerbated by food shortages, violence, looting, displacement and fear. Our patients and staff are going through hell. Your help is providing solace and a ray of hope in this ugliness.
