Make-A-Wish International Hosts Night Of 100 Stars Gala In Monaco
The night received pledges that are still rolling in, and that will go a long way in making children suffering with health challenges dreams come true
On Sunday evening, Make-A-Wish International hosted their “Night of 100 Stars” gala in Monaco, held during the 63rd Annual Monte-Carlo TV Festival, made possible by their sponsor Russell Bedford. Known for making the dreams of terminally ill or curably ill kids around the world come true, Make-A-Wish granted over 19,500 wishes in 2023 with the support of forty of their affiliates.
Maxime Dereymez with Cathy Guetta | Photo Credit: Alena Borodina
Luciano Manzo, CEO of Make-A-Wish International | Photo Credit: Alena Borodina
Held at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort in their Mediterranean Garden, guests arrived to the blue carpet and champagne reception, while saxophonist Peter Baran serenaded. With the resort on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other, it made for a glamorous evening for a cause that has touched children and families around the world. Guests mingled until the dinner announcement was made and then they made their way to their tables.
Hosting the evening were Victoria Silvstedt and Maxime Dereymez | Photo Credit: Alena Borodina
Starting the evening and welcoming everyone was model and TV personality Victoria Silvstedt and the winner of Dancing With the Stars France, Maxime Dereymez. Singer Nade sang as she made her way around the dining tables, bringing an element of liveliness to the evening. Then Make-A-Wish International’s CEO Luciano Manzo took to the stage, giving a moving speech on how the news of a disease impacts everyone in a family.
“When a child’s life is affected by disease their childhood is taken away,” he said. “The wish returns the childhood to the child, because every wish is unique. When you make the impossible possible for a child, their fight to the illness becomes better.” He then presented the Wishmaker Of The Year Award to Konstantine Antonopoulos, a Greek businessman that likes to support Make-A-Wish without any public frills.
“Thank you for this award,” said Antonopoulos as he took to the stage. It’s an honor to be in Monaco for this event. This award happened by accident. We anonymously help people but Make-A-Wish had different plans. Make-A-Wish changes lives.” He then wished all the fathers who celebrate American Happy Father’s Day. “For many families life can take a turn. It’s during these difficult times that Make-A-Wish can show how miracles can happen. Last year I adopted 91 wishes for children in Greece. Witnessing their smiles and knowing for a brief moment they were happy, it’s these experiences that changed me. The wishes are transformative and bring families together.” He then urged people to contribute to change lives, and holding to that charge, he pledged $50k USD, matching the previous pledge before him.
Chiara, a former Make-A-Wish International wishee speaking to the audience | Photo Credit: Alena Borodina
Attention turned to a young student named Chiara from Bologna, Italy who got Leukemia as a child, and Make-A-Wish made her dream come true by sending her and her parents to New York City. Attending the dinner, Luciano Manzo pointed out how she’s a medical student in top honors at her university in Italy. “Watching my story unfold again reminded me of how a single moment of kindness can light up even he darkest of the nights. Make-A-Wish for me is not just an organization, it’s a family. Watching so many people so engaged in making my dream come true is something that makes me emotional,” she shared with the audience.
Sakura playing the violin | Photo Credit: Alena Borodina
Singer Nade | Photo Credit: Alena Borodina
The evening included a performance by violinist Sakura, an acrobatic display by Zsolt Szlavkovszki and Stellina, and dance performances by Charlotte Guerin and Mila Kradenova-Meyer. Guests then moved to the afterparty and danced under the tunes of DJ Mike Panama until midnight, and took home gift bags of products from Karin Herzog and Miss March.
If you wish to make a donation, you can at worldwish.org.