The themes of two major global brands come to mind, jingles about a watch that never stops ticking and an inexhaustible battery whose mascot bunny never stops running.
The same could be said of “Frankie” that wonderful association that cares for sick children… thousands upon thousands of them, year after year. And now after 25 years “Frankie” is more than ticking and running.
The Palace were originally the first to help with Christmas presents and Prince Rainier absolutely loved sharing the joy of the circus with the kids. The Principality took notice more and more and it blossomed from there with United Nations blessing too.
Now a quarter of a century later HelloMonaco went to see the grand celebration for the children that this 25th Jubilee event merited. Difficult to top the 2022 Christmas celebrations but they did it.
Remember Christmas 2022
The 25th year of Frankie sprinkling happiness around actually began at the kids’ Christmas last year.
Happiness for hundreds and hundreds of children. That avalanche of joy, Frankie’s 25th Christmas took place in Sporting Monte-Carlo – in the Salle des Etoiles. Families even came the day before to the Kids Nite gala evening (organised by the association for the children of Monaco).
The focus was on spreading the Christmas spirit and cheer to sick and disadvantaged children in Monaco and the PACA region. Nearly 2,000 children were fed spoonful upon spoonful of delight. They enjoyed a great party and celebrated Christmas with a tailor-made show with, of course, Frankie the beloved clown and Santa Claus who distributed Christmas presents and snack treats for each of them.
Lovable Disney characters and circus acts and amazing basketball tricks wowed the kids. Performing seals and penguins, Star Wars scenes with warriors with laser lances and an absolutely giant “transformer” type of Martian danced around …. as did an enchanting and beautiful kiddies dance group. Frankie’s kids were transported to another world … one of infinite joy and Christmas cheer.
That’s what Frankie brings to children every year including 2023 which is extra special because we have just had Frankie’s 25th anniversary celebrations together with a Christmas extravaganza.
25th Anniversary 2023
HelloMonaco has just experienced Frankie pulling out all stops including an unprecedented auction as the Jubilee Anniversary rolled out.
In the heart of the Opéra Garnier, the evening began with the Beatles theme with an auction of new objects bearing the image of the famous British rock group. Autographed photo of Ringo Starr, collector vinyls, paintings, bust of Paul McCartney… The highlight of the sale: a recording session in the Abbey Road studios in London. So much the more telling with the recent #1 hit of the Beatles on the UK charts.
The evening continued with an Extravaganza Show. A music hall entirely written by Francien Giraudi. The show featured Frankie who, asleep, dreamed of four magical worlds. Aerial acrobats, dancers, circus artists …over 70 artists came from all over the world.
The next day, on Saturday, for the children of Monaco it was time for the “Kids Nite Extravaganza circus”. It was held under the high patronage of the Princess of Hanover.
Excitement totally dedicated to the children with candy floss, a bubble show, ice cream and dance party hosted by a DJ.
Frankie’s 2023 is truly a year to remember.
The Mind Blowing Result for the Children of our Region
It’s so impactful that HelloMonaco and the press are alive with news of Frankie and her children:
Between 1000 and 2000 volunteers have worked with children over 25 years and over €14 million has thus been dedicated to children in the region .
Well over 5000 children are supported each year through various actions , and a mind-blowing
70,000 children are reported to have attended Frankie’s Christmas over 25 years.
HelloMonaco can only echo: “Frankie” has a dream; this dream has powerful legs, unstoppable love for children. The show must go on year after year.
