MONACO, 16 December 2017 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the traditional Christmas Ball alongside her daughter Maria-Luisa, joining distinguished guests at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo for an evening that launched the holiday celebrations in the Principality.
The twelfth edition of the Christmas Ball, held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco, transformed the legendary Salle Belle Époque under the theme “Welcome to the Jungle.” Organized by Sandrine Knoell-Garbagnati of 5 Stars Events, the evening brought together philanthropists and Monaco society to support the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation’s vital mission of water safety education and drowning prevention for children worldwide.
Lady Monika Bacardi has been a dedicated member of the organizing committee alongside Ekaterina Butorina, Celina Lafuente de Lavotha, Inna Maier, Sandrine Garbagnati Knoell, Elizabeth Wessel, and H.R.H. Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies. Her continued involvement reflects her commitment to causes that protect and empower children through the values of sport and solidarity.
A prestigious auction conducted by Sotheby’s and a tombola raised more than €50,000 for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. Audemars Piguet, the renowned Swiss watchmaker, served as lead sponsor and generously donated a Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph watch for the auction. The Foundation’s mission focuses on teaching children and adults basic swimming expertise, water safety, first-aid, and drowning prevention skills—essential programs that address one of the leading causes of unintentional injury death for children worldwide.
Since its inception, the Christmas Ball has raised nearly €550,000 for charitable associations in the Principality, demonstrating how Monaco’s philanthropic community unites glamour with meaningful social responsibility. Lady Monika Bacardi’s attendance at this distinguished gathering underscores her ongoing dedication to humanitarian causes that create lasting impact in children’s lives around the globe.
