Stelios Foundation charity dinner: 570,000 euros to save the Mediterranean

Prince Albert II of Monaco, alongside Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, presided over the Stelios Fondation’s 13th annual philanthropic gala on Tuesday evening, where over 60 donors stepped up to protect marine ecosystems.

The Stelios Foundation’s conference room was a hive of exceptional generosity on Tuesday evening. With Prince Albert II and iDr Kirsten Schuijt, Director General of WWF International in attendance, the gathering of philanthropists made sure the event was a highly successful one for the environment.

The record amount raised – some 570,000 euros – testifies to Monaco’s deep commitment to protecting the Mediterranean, the sea that washes the Principality’s shores and whose biodiversity is unique but fragile.

An innovative donation mechanism

The strength of the initiative lies in its doubly generous approach: each contribution made by the guests was automatically matched by the Stelios Foundation. The strategy enables the original donations to have an even greater impact on marine conservation.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, host of the memorable event, said: “Thanks to the generosity of our philanthropic guests and the support of Prince Albert II and Dr Kirsten Schuijt, this evening we have taken another important step towards protecting our Mediterranean Sea. By doubling the funds raised and allocating them equally to the WWF and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, we are ensuring that every euro donated has twice the impact.”

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A philanthropic legacy worth 3.5 million euros

The 13th edition brings the total legacy of the event to around 3.5 million euros since its creation. The funds will be shared equally between WWF International and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, both of which are at the forefront of marine conservation in the Mediterranean.

Dr Kirsten Schuijt stressed the urgent need for action, pointing out that the Mediterranean remains one of the most endangered seas in the world. The funds, boosted by the Stelios Foundation’s matched funding, will help to protect emblematic species such as dolphins, sea turtles and monk seals, while preserving the ecosystems on which coastal communities depend.