|In the presence of HSH Prince Albert II, President of the Monegasque Red Cross, and HSH Princess Charlene, the 65th Monegasque Red Cross Gala was held on Friday 2 August 2013 in the Monte-Carlo Sporting's Salle des Étoiles.
For the organisation founded in 1948 by Prince Louis II, this fabulous evening represents an occasion to express gratitude to all those who made generous donations in the course of the previous year. Supported and guided by the profound convictions of its President, HSH Prince Albert II, the Monegasque Red Cross has continued extending its action all over the world and answered many calls from the International Red Cross for a total budget of some M?1.3. From a national standpoint, in and around the Principality of Monaco, all social initiatives represented an expenditure on the order of M?1.2.
In 2013, the prestigious Gala participated in the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the Société des Bains de Mer. Guests were welcomed by the NewScat jazz band. The Italian group NeroCaffe' and the Sporting Orchestra featuring Ty Stephens punctuated the dinner, before the Italian superstar Eros Ramazzotti took centre stage. The Roman singer, with over 55 million albums sold in his thirty-year career, performed many of his greatest hits and songs from his twelfth and latest album, Noi. This programme ended with the famous DJ, Bob Sinclar manning the turntables. Sandrine Quétier and the American television host China Moses will draw the winner for the raffle, with sumptuous prizes as always.
To be in perfect harmony with the colours of the 150th anniversary of the Société des Bains de Mer, the decoration was based on sober elegance of white and gold. Red was strongly present, too, with more than 15,000 roses in flower arrangements on the gold-covered tables whose colours reflected the changing lights. Huge LED screens broadcast the event to enhance the evening's various highlights.
Every year, the Monegasque Red Cross is offered an artwork specially created for the occasion by a famous artist. In 2013, Marcello Lo Giudice of Italy donated Gli angeli della primavera, an enamelled ceramic and metal structure displayed in a 1.12m Plexiglas box. Inspired by his work on the violence arising from war, the artist progresses, integrating butterflies, emblematic symbols of spring, in his work. In this piece, butterflies fly up into the sky, embodying the triumph of Life over Death, a tribute to all those who strive passionately every day to save lives in the world.
The work is on display in the Monte-Carlo Sporting lobby.
The evening ended with a grandiose fireworks display.|
