Smiling Hospital Grand Gala, Budapest, 5 December 2009

Countess Éva Csáky Bornemisza, the Founder of the Smiling Hospital Foundation, and Dr Albert Royaards, the President of the Foundation, welcomed 170 guests on Saturday 5 December 2009 at the Hungarian National Council of Justice.

In the words of President Royaards, "It was a magnificant place for a magnificant gala, all for the sake of raising funds for sick children in Hungarian hospitals. The net result was about HUF 2.0 million; a grand amount to help finance the weekly activities for a good while in 25 hospitals throughout Hungary."

"The special element was six most beautifully decorated Christmas trees for auction; one of these was even decorated in London by a famous interior decorator, using most exquisite materials - "as if Tiffany, Cartier and Boucheron went wild", someone mentioned," continued Dr Royaards.

"The Grand Gala was organised for corporate and individual sponsors and donors of the Smiling Hospital Foundation. Many sponsors contributed to the success, such as KLM, JamFilm.eu and many others. French Champaign, Hungarian wine, fine food, live music of various kinds, dance and lots of raffle prizes all added to this unique charity event," Albert concluded.

"The gala was great!" Declan Hannigan, "It was a very impressive and enjoyable event," Rita Bánki, "I had a fantastic time," Julianna Gulden, "A lovely evening!" Chris Black, "I enjoyed myself very much," Alex Stemp.