Orlando Bloom receives the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Special Award and priceless auction lots raise €21 million to fund vital marine conservation at the Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean 2018
Presided by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco accompanied by his wife HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco; and hosted by Milutin Gatsby, Global Fundraising Chairman, the evening also saw Orlando Bloom presented with the 'Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Special Award’ in recognition of his environmental awareness campaigning.
HSH Prince Albert II commented at the Gala, “Today the oceans, which represent over one billion cubic kilometres, are vulnerable. Today, these expanses which cover over two-thirds of the planet are threatened more than they have ever been before in the history of Humankind. Today, the oceans need us… They need us to protect them. They need us to establish a new relationship with them: more attentive, more responsible, more sustainable.”
Accepting the award from the Sovereign, Orlando Bloom said: “The urgency of climate change has never rung louder than it is now. The science is clear. And what will they say of us, a hundred years from now, since we knew but sat and did nothing? The world is changing, and we need to change our habits along with it.
So I would challenge you to think what impact you can make and what legacy you will leave for your children and grandchildren because I truly believe that each and every individual is capable of creating real and monumental change.”
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Gala’s 720 guests and bidders from around the globe, the 21 million euros raised over the evening, combined with the additional funds from the ongoing online auction, enables the Foundation to continue supporting vital research, education and conservation initiatives worldwide which are essential for the future of the global ocean.
Commencing the evening, guests enjoyed cocktails whilst viewing the collection of 47 live-auction lots on display, reflected by the grandeur of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo backdrop. Lots included the world’s first luxury electric powerboat; the opportunity to go horseback riding with Madonna and surfing with the legendary Kelly Slater at his surf ranch in California.
Entering the dinner via a nautical themed portal, based on Captain Nemo’s vessel Nautilus, guests were transported into an undersea realm under the stars complete with floating jellyfish chandeliers.
Entering the dinner via a nautical themed portal, based on Captain Nemo’s vessel Nautilus, guests were transported into an undersea realm under the stars complete with floating jellyfish chandeliers.
Bio Michelin Star Chef, Paolo Sari, created a gastronomic extravaganza reflecting the Gala’s ethos with completely organic and responsibly sustained ingredients from the sea and land, including the wines and water. A Mediterranean fish bouquet followed a mousse of Monaco’s smoked black ruff; with a filet de turbot rissolé aux chanterelles and sturgeon pearls served as the plat principal. Rounding off the menu were Côte d’Azur ‘Red berries from a Wednesday at the end of September’.
Entertaining the diners, the legendary Nile Rodgers & CHIC previewed tracks from their first album in 25 years “It’s About Time”, while GRAMMY awarded Queen of Disco, Gloria Gaynor, also rocked the room. Robert Davi reprised his Frank Sinatra tribute, while supernatural entertainer Lior Suchard drew gasps of surprise from the audience, before rap duo Madcon rounded out the evening.
In between performances, world renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury led the exceptional auction, the proceeds of which will support the Foundation’s priority marine programmes: plastic pollution, scientific studies on acidification, coral protection, marine protected areas, endangered species and innovative technologies.
Celebrations continued into the early hours at the Monte-Carlo Casino, with the Gala after-party hosted by Richie Akiva and 10AK, and famed jazz pianist ELEW giving a high-octane performance for guests dancing the night away.
The Monte Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean is hosted by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, led by Bernard Fautrier, Vice President and CEO and Olivier Wenden, Executive Director, with the support of the Monaco Yacht Show, the Oceanographic Institute, the Yacht Club of Monaco, the Société des Bains de Mer and the Monaco Private Label.
About the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation:
In June 2006, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco established his Foundation to address our planet's alarming environmental situation. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is dedicated to the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development on a global scale. The Foundation supports initiatives of public and private organisations, in the fields of research and studies, technological innovation and socially-aware practices. The Foundation supports projects in three main geographical zones, the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar Regions and the Least Developed Countries and focuses its efforts on three main areas: climate change, biodiversity and water resources. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has 9 international branches in France, USA, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, Italy, Singapore and Spain.
Milutin Gatsby, Global Fundraising Chairman
Serving as the Global Fundraising Chairman, Milutin Gatsby is the personification of Philanthropy.
Infinitely generous with his time, energy and altruism, Milutin has devoted his life to fighting for the underserved and underprivileged, from those ravaged by the scourge of AIDS to children in need around the globe, as exemplified by his groundbreaking work with Madonna and her foundation, Raising Malawi. There is hardly an injustice that Milutin has not addressed in a big-hearted way, but there is one overarching issue that threatens everyone on our planet equally and that has been of particular concern to Milutin since he was a very young man: the sharp decline in our Earth’s health. Milutin understands that humankind is responsible for the degradation of our environment, and he knows that only humankind can reverse the damage done. As such, while his charitable and humanitarian efforts are as diverse as ever, Milutin stands firm at the front line of the struggle to restore the lands and seas of our one-and-only home to health.
Milutin Gatsby's unflagging dedication to raising awareness about, and much-needed funds for, the most pressing causes of our time inspires us all to do what we can to make the world a better place.
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire