A charity dinner hosted by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has raised an impressive €610,000 to help protect marine wildlife and strengthen conservation efforts across the Mediterranean…
The 14th annual fundraiser, organised by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in partnership with WWF International and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, welcomed more than 60 philanthropists and environmental supporters to the Stelios Foundation Conference Hall in Monaco.
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II attended alongside Daudi Sumba, WWF International’s Chief Conservation Officer, with the evening focused particularly on effective protection within the Pelagos Sanctuary and Marine Protected Areas across the Mediterranean. Guests heard from Sir Stelios, Prince Albert II and Sumba before taking part in a charity auction which boosted the evening’s fundraising total.
Every donation was matched euro-for-euro by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, helping bring the final figure to €610,000. The money will be divided equally between WWF International and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
The latest result takes the amount generated by the annual event over its 14-year history to approximately €4.2 million.
Sir Stelios said matching donations meant “every euro given goes twice as far”, whilst Sumba highlighted the potential to strengthen protected areas, safeguard vulnerable species and demonstrate what can be achieved when science, philanthropy and partnerships work together.
Image: Philippe Fitte