Enormous generosity: Gala Ball 2016

We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests at our Gala Ball in November. A phenomenal total of £2.6million was raised to mend little hearts around the world, with more than 80 people in the room pledging to sponsor a child’s heart operation, and 15 pledging to fund a specialised medical mission to a developing country! 

Hosted by our ambassador and friend, Bond actor Colin Salmon, the night got off to an electrifying start with a performance by Britain’s Got Talent finalists Escala.

The Live Auction was filled with once-in-a-lifetime prizes such as an art filled weekend in Venice, with a private jet, stay at the Gritti Palace and private tours with the Cultivist; an Arsenal experience with tickets to a box at the Arsenal stadium, access to the players’ lounge, a private tour and dinner with legend Robert Pirès; as well as the latest model of Maserati! Usain Bolt even joined in via a video link as he offered to spend a day with a donor on his training ground in Jamaica, as well as having them join him on the red carpet to his film premiere, I am Bolt! Lord Archer fielded the bids to raise more than ever before, in a mesmerising auction. 

X Factor Judge and superstar Nicole Scherzinger got everybody dancing with hits from ‘Don’t Cha’ to ‘Purple Rain’, including our celebrity guests, footballers Rio Ferdinand and David Ginola, model Naomi Campbell, Miss Universe Great Britain Amy Willerton and Made in Chelsea and TOWIE stars. DJ duo Bittersweet, formed by Charlotte de Carle and Ashley James, kept the party going into the night. Chanel added further glamour of the evening by generously donating fragrances for our guests to take home.

We are indebted to the philanthropy of our sponsors who enabled us to hold the Gala Ball, particularly Julius Baer, Mr Ghanim Al Saad, Mrs Sherine Sawiris, Mr Leonardo Gonzalez Dellan, Mr Emad Aziz and Mr Omar Selim. 

Our Gala Ball is our principle fundraising event, each year raising the vital funds we need to treat children with heart disease. It is organised and run by two incredibly dedicated committees, our Ball Committee, led by Mrs Dina Roushdi and Mrs Sherine Sawiris, and our Corporate Advisory Board. We are immensely grateful to each member of these committees, for their time, invaluable advice and their commitment. 

To watch a film of the evening, just click here.

To see the press articles about the night, please click here.

To buy your tickets to our 2017 Gala Ball, or to find out more, click here.