Every year, Monaco hosts multiple charity events. However, only one of them brings together Hollywood A-listers in the Principality. Leonardo DiCaprio, Gloria Gaynor, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Sting, and many others have already taken part in the Monte Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean, aimed at raising funds for the protection of the oceans.
This year, the fifth edition of this grandiose event dedicated to the health of the Oceans, but also of the Planet and Humanity will be held in the Principality on September 23rd.
The star-studded gala evening of the Prince Albert II Foundation of Monaco this year will celebrate the double anniversary – the 5th anniversary of the Gala and the 15th anniversary of the Foundation. The prestigious evening will be held in the Princely palace in support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s actions in favour of Planetary health and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation’s work for the well-being and development of children.
The very popular core program remains unchanged: guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, then a dinner from a Michelin star chef, as well as performances by famous artists. During the auction, guests will be offered exclusive lots specially prepared for the event, which serves to emphasize their uniqueness.
In 2020, the coronavirus epidemic, which hit the world, affected the famous Gala. Last year’s edition focused on planetary health, the Ocean, Earth and Humanity and the Prince Albert II Foundation of Monaco and its partners, the Monaco Yacht Club, the Societé des Bains de Mer, the Oceanographic Institute, the Monaco Yacht Show, the New National Museum of Monaco and Monaco Private Label joined forces to organise this unique Gala evening. It will keep its new name this year too becoming the Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health.
Celebrity Galaxy
This gala has traditionally gathered celebrities in the luxurious atmosphere of the Principality of Monaco.
Leonardo DiCaprio became the guest of honour of the very first Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean.
Among the numerous guests of the 2018 edition were such eminent guests as Orlando Bloom, Gloria Gaynor and Nile Rodgers.
In 2019, American producer Robert Redford became the guest of honour for the event. He was added to the list of stars whose environmental merits were honoured by the Prince Albert II Foundation. In previous issues of the Gala, Leonardo DiCaprio and Orlando Bloom received the awards in recognition of their efforts to raise public awareness on issues related to environmental and ocean protection.
In 2020, Sting was presented with the prestigious Gala award, and actresses Helen Mirren, Kate Beckinsale and actor Andy Garcia became guests of honour.
Charity Gala
As part of this unique Gala evening, the organizers hold a charity auction with exclusive lots that you will not meet either at Drouot, Paris or at Sotheby’s, London.
For example, horseback riding with Madonna in Portugal went to the highest bidder for 450,000 euros, while holidays in Zanzibar with Victoria’s Secret model Toni Garrn cost the winner 300,000 euros and could be bought at the last year’s auction. One of the most expensive acquisitions was the world’s first luxury electric powerboat Vita, created by the Italian company Garage Italia specifically for the auction and sold for 1.8 million euros. Those items that were not sold during the gala auction remain available for online bidding for some time on the Prince Albert II Foundation website.
If the very first Gala in 2017, organized on the terraces of the Monte Carlo Casino, raised 14 million dollars for the projects of the Fund, then in the following years, the sums also amounted to generous amounts. So, in 2018, around 21 million dollars were collected thanks to the Gala.
All funds raised are used to finance projects of the Prince of Monaco Foundation for the development and promotion of initiatives dedicated to the protection of the oceans and the environment.
In 2019, funds collected from the event were aimed at supporting the Fund’s initiatives in the field of global health, including the creation of an emergency environmental fund to support the fight against the effects of global disasters, such as the rise of sea levels, accelerated melting of glaciers, plastic pollution and destruction of natural habitats and forests.
History of the Gala
The gala evening was first organized in 2017 at the initiative of Prince Albert II and businessman Milutin Gatsby in order to raise funds for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation aimed at protecting the oceans. The gala evening program includes performances by talented artists and legends of the music industry; however, one of the most significant events in the program is the auction.
In 2017 the Gala evening raised an incredible 14 million dollars which unlocked 37 marine conservation projects that had been in the starting gate awaiting the generosity of sponsors.
The ocean represents more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and plays a key role in climate regulation. Thanks to the oceans we get 50% of the oxygen we breathe, they also absorb 25% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Protecting the oceans is vital for both us and future generations.
