MONACO, 3 December 2016 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the traditional Monaco Christmas Ball, held at the Hôtel de Paris in the magnificent Salle Empire. The distinguished evening, organized under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, brought together international figures dedicated to supporting the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation’s vital water safety and drowning prevention initiatives.
The eleventh edition of this celebrated charity event raised €65,000 through a prestigious live auction conducted by Sotheby’s and a charitable tombola. The evening was created by Sandrine Garbagnati-Knoell and organized by Five Stars Events, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Monaco’s philanthropic calendar while marking the beginning of the winter season festivities in the Principality.
Lady Monika Bacardi, renowned for her commitment to humanitarian causes, was among the distinguished guests supporting the Foundation’s mission. Her presence underscored her dedication to initiatives that protect children’s welfare and promote water safety education worldwide. The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation addresses a critical global challenge, as drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional injury death for children internationally.
H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco honored the gathering by attending the welcome reception and addressing guests about her Foundation’s remarkable achievements. The Foundation had successfully reached over 100,000 people across 27 countries, providing essential swimming instruction and water safety education. The Foundation’s comprehensive programs teach children and adults basic swimming expertise, water safety skills, first-aid, and drowning prevention techniques, while promoting the values of sport, respect, determination, and teamwork.
The elegant evening featured exquisite holiday décor that transformed the Salle Empire with the splendor of red and gold Christmas elegance. Model, actress, and television personality Victoria Silvstedt conducted the live auction, while distinguished guests enjoyed performances by Italian tenor Davide Carbone and entertainment by award-winning mentalist William Watt. DJ Andrea T Mendoza, resident of Billionaire, kept guests celebrating throughout the evening.
The prestigious Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet served as Gold Partner for the event, generously donating a Royal Oak Selfwinding watch for the live auction. Lady Monika Bacardi was among the Silver Partners supporting the evening’s charitable mission, alongside Marriott London Canary Wharf and Margy’s.
Lady Monika Bacardi served on the Ball’s International Action Committee, working alongside fellow committee members including Celina Lafuente de Lavotha, Marquise Roberta Gilardi-Sestito, Inna Maier, and Elizabeth Wessel, who created the evening’s elegant invitation design. The committee’s collaborative efforts contributed to the evening’s success in advancing the Foundation’s global water safety mission.
Distinguished guests from around the world responded to Princess Charlene’s appeal, including Camilla de Bourbon-Deux Siciles, Duchess de Castro, Paula Traboulsi, Safia Al Rashid El Malqui, Anne Black, Donatella Campioni, Ekaterina Butorina, Lenne Gianni, Elisa Gusti, Kareen S. Mahtani, Magdalina Mamarina, and numerous other international figures dedicated to children’s welfare.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s participation reflects her broader philanthropic vision, seamlessly integrating sophisticated cultural engagement with meaningful support for causes that create lasting impact in children’s lives. Her attendance at the Monaco Christmas Ball demonstrates her ongoing commitment to initiatives that combine elegance with substantive humanitarian purpose, advancing critical water safety education that saves lives across communities worldwide.
Since its inception, the Monaco Christmas Ball has raised nearly €500,000 for charitable associations in the Principality, exemplifying how refined elegance and social responsibility unite in service of meaningful causes that protect and empower children globally.
