Better World Fund and L. Raphaël Gala in Venice

In early September, everything related to cinema converges in Venice —and it’s not just the films and their premieres. There is also a variety of humanitarian initiatives, such as the dinner and charity auction organized by Better World Fund at Hotel Cipriani under the motto “What legacy are we leaving for future generations?” Dedicated to the role of women in the modern world, the fundraiser was held in support of the Fondazione Dona Dalle Rose, notably known for playing an important role in the restoration of historic palazzos in Venice, the digitalization of important artistic archives, financial support for the Cameroon pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale, and aid for children in Africa.

The event started with a welcoming speech by Manuel Collas de la Roche, Chairman of the Fund, who outlined its goals and objectives: “Women's empowerment stands out as a key driver of progress. The Better World Fund is dedicated to spotlighting and supporting initiatives that uplift women and marginalized communities, fueling hope and inspiring action. The power of film has proven to be an exceptional tool for raising awareness and mobilizing global citizens to advocate for the future of our planet.”

Among many remarkable women, present at the gala evening was Ronit Raphael, Founder and CEO of L.Raphael, an avant-garde Swiss cosmetic brand and beauty clinic, pioneer of holistic and personalised multi-dimensional body, skin and hair treatments, who served this evening as a co-chair of the fundraiser. Not just a successful entrepreneur, Raphael is also an equally successful philanthropist. She considers the fight against child abuse to be one of the main causes of her life. To this end, she founded the Global Army Against Child Abuse, which she views as her most profound accomplishment. She has never sought to limit her role to mere aesthetics. Her mission has always been about creating a better world where people feel in harmony with themselves, and where women are confident and believe in a better future for their children.

Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon were among the fundraiser’s guests of honour, and they received special prizes for the occasion. Other guests of the evening included Oscar-winning film producer and philanthropist Johanna Plafsky, publisher of exquisite limited edition books Cenytha Sarkis Perros, as well as Valentina Castellani-Quinn, an award-winning film producer, whose contributions to cinema and philanthropy were honoured during the evening.

But the main hero of the event was undoubtedly Omar Harfouch, businessman, media entrepreneur, pianist and composer, who received the Best Achievement for Peace Award from Kevin Costner for his initiatives to preserve peace. This award precedes the major concert he will give on September 18 at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. As a pianist, he will perform his own “Concerto pour la Paix” with the Orchestre Béziers Méditerranée, accompanied by violonist Anne Gravoin and 30 singers, under the baton of maestro Mathieu Bonnin, with an arrangement by Houtaf Khoury. Omar Harfouch will then continue his concert tour at the United Nations in Geneva during World Peace Day on September 21, and will subsequently perform in the Vatican, the Italian Parliament, Shanghai in China, and other countries.

Photo: Daniel Topic

Text: Editorial team