€16.5 Million Total Raised for the “Hospital of Peace” Across 20 Years of the St. Moritz Sheba Gala
Hosted by entrepreneur Ursula Bechtolsheimer‑Kipp, owner of the Tschuggen Collection, this year’s gala was dedicated to a remarkable new project: the Ellen Ringier Rehabilitation Wing at Sheba’s Edmond & Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, a place where children will learn to be children again.
An Evening of Support for Sheba’s Mission
Friends and supporters of Sheba Medical Center gathered for the 20th time at the elegant Carlton Hotel St. Moritz to champion the charitable work of Israel’s largest and most comprehensive medical center. Prof. Yitshak Kreiss, Director General of Sheba Medical Center, joined Gala Chairperson Michael Ringier, Co‑Chairperson Countess Renate von Rehbinder, Dr. Yonat Floersheim, Chairman of Swiss Sheba Friends, and Deborah Haymann
CEO of the Swiss Friends of Sheba, in welcoming around 170 distinguished guests.
Among the guests were designer Rolf Sachs; star architect Sir Norman Foster with Elena Ocha Foster; philanthropist Sir Andrew Cook; artist Diana Korn; star fashion designer Luisa Beccaria with Lucio Beccaria‑Bonaccozsi; entrepreneurs Rene and Susie Braginski; Martin Schoeller; Sabine and Ralph Piller; music producer and Space Club Kitchen initiator Bernd Breiter; Dr. Nico Raabe, Board Member of the Margot Friedländer Foundation; media entrepreneur Maria Theresia von Seidlein; and Margravine Roberta Gilardi Sestito.
The illustrious gala committee included star designer Carlo Rampazzi, Dame and Commercial Councilor Ljuba Manz‑Lurje, gallery owner Krystyna Gmurzynska, entrepreneurs Richard Ossen and Margarita Cittadini‑Leinfelder, Asprey CEO Bella Haas, and Annette Zierer of ziererCommunications, who has organized the gala since its inception. Their long‑standing dedication helped shape this 20‑year milestone into a meaningful celebration of generosity and impact.
Israeli powerhouse Riki Ben‑Ari provided musical highlights throughout the evening, while ARD Tagesschau news anchor Ilanit Spinner, who came to Engadin with her partner Ralph Baudach, gracefully guided guests through the program. Stephanie and Michael Lehnort, General Managers of the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz, ensured a flawlessly orchestrated gala at their five‑star hotel.
The Auction: Exceptional Lots for an Exceptional Cause
At the heart of the fundraising effort stood the benefit auction conducted by Sotheby’s star auctioneer Earl of Rosebery (Lord Dalmeny), Senior Auctioneer, Senior Director, and UK Chairman of Sotheby’s in London. The donations and auction proceeds, more than €1.5 million, were allocated entirely to the planned new Ellen Ringier Wing at Sheba Medical Center’s children’s hospital.
Guests had the opportunity to bid on exceptional lots and experiences, including, a VIP racing package to the Porsche Cup Suisse in Monza with racing driver Moritz Weber, a mega luxury yacht trip through the innovative yacht investment program Meros Netyachts, a designer armchair by Carlo Rampazzi, a work of art by Rolf Sachs, one of the coveted limited‑edition “Jet Set Pills” 3D sculptures by Diana Korn, and sparkling jewelry from Tornaghi, Sabbadini, Messika, and jeweler Thomas Jirgens. In addition to these highly sought after experiences and items, urgently needed medical equipment for the hospital was auctioned off symbolically, further strengthening Sheba’s capacity to deliver advanced care.
The Ellen Ringier Wing will encompass a renewed, 200 sqm state‑of‑the‑art rehabilitation unit, including 12 spacious patient rooms with ceiling lifts, a fully wheelchair‑accessible design, a central rehabilitation gym, therapy and psychological care spaces, a computerized medication room, a welcoming parents’ room, and a communal dining area — spaces designed so that children can simply be children again.
Honoring Ellen Ringier and Investing in Children’s Futures
A particularly moving highlight of the evening was the posthumous tribute to Ellen Ringier, who received Sheba Medical Center’s “Hope Without Boundaries” Award for her exceptional humanitarian work. Publisher Michael Ringier accepted the award on her behalf, accompanied by their daughters Sophie and Lily, and delivered a heartfelt speech honoring Ellen’s legacy and enduring commitment to helping others.
The “Hope Without Boundaries” Award has a distinguished history. It has previously been presented to Dr. H.C. mult. Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria (with laudatory speeches by Prof. Dr. Hubert Burda and Maria Furtwängler); singer Udo Jürgens (introduced by Alexander, Prince of Schaumburg‑Lippe, and remembered for his spontaneous short concert); and Daniel Lörcher, Vice President of Borussia Dortmund. Past international recipients also include actor Michael Douglas, actresses Elizabeth Taylor and Whoopi Goldberg, former US President Gerald R. Ford, and Prince Albert of Monaco.
The new Ellen Ringier Rehabilitation Wing at Sheba’s Edmond & Lily Safra Children’s Hospital will carry forward her name and spirit, providing advanced rehabilitation and a nurturing environment for children and their families. There, young patients will have access to cutting‑edge therapies and supportive spaces that foster recovery, resilience, and play, helping them reclaim their childhoods after serious illness or injury.
Gratitude extends to every guest, supporter, partner, and member of the gala committee whose generosity helped reach the €16.5 million milestone and made this 20th anniversary gala a powerful expression of healing and hope.
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