We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Gala Cannes, held on May 26, 2023. The event was a resounding success, bringing together esteemed guests, renowned humanitarians, and supporters from around the world.


During the gala, we had the privilege of honouring two exceptional individuals who have made an indelible impact on the lives of children worldwide. Mr. Jerry Inzerillo, GCEO of Diriyah Company, and Dr. Solanges Vivens, Author of "Girls Can Move Mountains" and Business Leader, were recognised for their unwavering commitment to the protection of children, children's health and wellbeing, and their relentless efforts in launching various initiatives to benefit children across the globe. The evening was filled with inspiration, as attendees gathered to celebrate these remarkable honourees and their remarkable achievements, which included a special moment which occurred when Dr. Linda Ncube-Nkomo, CEO at the Fund, and Mr Anant Singh, (NMCF President’s Club members) presented Mr. Jerry Inzerillo with the prestigious award.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Jerry Inzerillo and Dr. Solanges Vivens for their valuable contribution to the gala and for being an inspiration to us all and emphasises the importance of the honourees' contributions to the well-being of children.
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Mr. Christian Vosseler, the CEO of Kinderlachen, was also brought on stage during the ceremony and recognized for his decades of commitment to children in need in Europe. "Kinderlachen ("Children's Laughter") is one of Germany's important non-profit organisation representing the interests and rights of children and teenagers. Founded by Christian Vosseler and Marc Peine, its genesis stems from gift giving in children's hospitals in Dortmund." The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund wishes continued success to the Kinderlachen foundation."

Cannes, France: On Friday, 26 May 2023, at 19:00, The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) Gala Cannes will provide a unique event experience and honour humanitarians Mr Jerry Inzerillo, GCEO of Diriyah Company, and Dr. Solanges Vivens, Author of “Girls Can Move Mountains” and Business Leader.  The honourees have dedicated to the protection of children, children’s health and wellbeing, launching various initiatives for their benefit around the world.  The celebration will occur at the Villa Oxygene at 137 Av. des Cactus, 06220 Vallauris, France.

Mr Inzerillo was a close friend of President Mandela and was integral in many of the fundraising and capacity-building initiatives related to the creation of the Fund.  His generosity and humanistic heart led to many important occasions that helped hundreds of children through the Fund, such as the Versace benefit fashion show in 1998. 
Dr Vivens is a renowned businesswoman who has used her knowledge to inspire girls and, now, seniors to pursue a meaningful life.  She established a school in Haiti and revitalised a community church in France, among many other philanthropic initiatives, to create a safe and healthy environment for children.

President Mandela loved children and believed that we should invest in their future, so that one day, they can grow to be leaders who take our society forward. So strong was his conviction that in 1995, President Mandela donated a third of his salary, for the duration of his five-year tenure as the first democratically elected President of South Africa, to establish the Fund. The Fund is particularly concerned with children living in vulnerable conditions, hence its strategic approach to expand globally by establishing Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund Affiliates throughout the world - each with a fundraising and grant making mandate. CEO of the Fund, Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo says, “This is a wonderful opportunity for the Fund to celebrate children’s rights champions around the world in honour of a global icon, Mr Mandela, who founded the Fund to promote the wellbeing of children. This is as we commemorate the life of Mr Mandela and ten years since his passing, under the theme, ‘Gone but not Forgotten’.”

The event will have multicultural, highly-acclaimed performances, including a special presentation from the La Scala Theatre in Milan, led by international choreographer Gianluca Schiavoni, the Principal of La Scala Antonella Albano, and Soloist of La Scala Massimo Garon.  Executive Producer of Boy Wonder, “Chosen Few”, will provide curated music for the night of the event.   

The event, set to benefit the Fund, is presented by Trigo Networks, a mass entertainment company that represents clients from celebrities to governmental entities.  The Media Partner is Total Prestige Magazine, which has exclusive event coverage and can be found at www.totalprestigemagazine.com.  The awards presented to the honourees are a specially crafted designed by Sara Sorribes of Vidrio Sorribes.  Custom art pieces from artist Patrice Murciano will be on display and sold during the event to benefit the Fund.  Event sponsors include Diriyah Company, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Montegrappa, Galerie Murciano and other contributors. 
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Individual ticket donation prices are $200 per person, with other upgrades to the admission, including VIP area access.  For more information or tickets, please visit www.trigonetworks.com/NMCFGalaCannes or email info@trigonetworks.com.