Monte Carlo Gala Raises More Than €650,000 for Sheba’s Global Mission
Under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, approximately 180 friends and supporters of Sheba came together for an evening centered on a shared belief in the power of medicine to connect people and create lasting impact.
Sheba Medical Center, recognized by Newsweek as one of the top ten best hospitals in the world, is deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the evening. The event highlighted the strength of Sheba’s global community and what is possible when people unite around a common cause. This support enables Sheba to advance high-quality, compassionate treatment for children, expand essential medical capabilities, and bring medical expertise and humanitarian assistance to communities beyond Israel.
Peace Through Medicine
Sheba Medical Center, the largest and most comprehensive medical center in Israel and the wider Middle East, cares for patients regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion. With a campus roughly half the size of the Principality of Monaco, Sheba’s reach extends far beyond its physical borders.
Guided by its mission of “Peace Through Medicine,” Sheba promotes peaceful coexistence through medical care, humanitarian action, and a commitment to treating people across borders.
The generosity shown throughout the gala directly supports this mission, helping Sheba provide free treatment for children and sustain its international humanitarian relief efforts.
An International Gathering of Distinguished Guests
The evening was hosted by Dorit and Marc Assaraf, together with co-sponsors Dr. Yana and Dr. Karl Hauptmann, who helped bring together a remarkable network of friends and supporters around Sheba’s mission.
Representing Sheba Medical Center, Prof. Itai M. Pessach, Associate Director of Sheba Medical Center and CEO of Sheba Children’s Hospital, was joined by Nadav Ben Yosef, Director of Sheba Global and Resource Development and Dr. Naama de la Fontaine, Clinical Psychologist at Sheba Psychiatry. Together, they welcomed guests and reflected the close connection between Sheba and the international community that stands alongside its patients, medical teams, and global humanitarian work.
Notable guests came from near and far, including Chella Safra, Treasurer of the World Jewish Congress and representative of the Moise Y. Safra Foundation, along with Margravine Roberta Gilardi Sestito and Lady Monika Bacardi. Also in attendance were music producer Bernd Breiter, founder of World Club Dome and Space Club Kitchen, racing driver Moritz Weber, and Lord Peter and Lady Joy Goldsmith. Florence and Gilles Dyan of Opera Gallery, entrepreneurs Sabine and Ralph Piller, and hotelier Ilan Rudich joined the evening as well, alongside Kommerzialrat Rudi Jagersbacher and Michaela Mumm-von Oldenburg, President of the Red Club. Annette Zierer, whose agency has organized the gala for many years, was also among the guests.
The evening’s musical program featured Israeli singer Riki Ben-Ari, described in the event program as an “Israeli Powerhouse Diva,” who delivered a captivating performance alongside Italian singer Arianne Bianchi. Renowned ARD Berlin correspondent Ilanit Spinner guided guests through the program with warmth and confidence.
Coming Together for a Greater Cause
At the heart of the evening was a meaningful auction, led by London-based auction specialist Kevin Durham.
The auction included works of art by Stefan Szczesny, luxury hotel stays donated by Bardia Torabi, General Manager of 7Pines Resort Ibiza, jewellery by Munich-based jeweller Thomas Jirgens and Yana Gadner of Wiener Juwelen Gadner, as well as private flights donated by Vladislav Shashkov of RSV Private Jets.
Each contribution was given in support of a greater cause: helping Sheba provide exceptional care for children while building the resources needed to sustain that care. Funds raised will support free treatment for children, urgently needed medical equipment, and Sheba’s international humanitarian relief missions.
The result was more than an impressive fundraising total. It was a meaningful expression of trust, generosity, and shared responsibility. Thanks to this support, Sheba can continue to strengthen the resources, expertise, and capabilities needed to care for children and respond to humanitarian needs wherever help is required.
Looking Ahead United
Sheba’s work has always been strengthened by the people who choose to stand with it.
Through medicine, collaboration, and humanitarian action, Sheba continues to work to expand access to care, share expertise, and build connections between people and communities around the world.
Sheba Medical Center extends its heartfelt thanks to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco for his patronage, to hosts Dorit and Marc Assaraf and co-sponsors Dr. Yana and Dr. Karl Hauptmann for convening the evening, and to every donor, auction contributor, and guest who took part.
Their support allows Sheba to keep moving forward, advancing compassionate care for children and carrying that impact into communities around the world.
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