CORPORATE EVENTS
PATARA FINE THAI CUISINE
Blue Heron Productions organized for Patara Fine Thai Cuisine the Thai New Year "Songkran" April 12-14, 2018 with three days of festivities flying in Chef Tam, the 25 year old award-winning chef who not only charmed everyone with her exquisite cuisine but also with her charismatic presence. She won over 14 top Executive Chefs from renowned restaurants in Thailand. Thai dancers entertained a full house each evening. Cocktails were served on the beautiful terrace of the five star Hôtel Beau-Rivage with a magnificent view on Lake Geneva.
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Blue Heron Productions also organized, November 3rd, 2017, the celebrated Thai festival Loy Krathong. Renowned as the finest Thai cuisine in Geneva, Patara’s Chef Jumnong Noradee created a special menu for the selected guests who enjoyed beautiful Thai dancers and music. The glamorous evening starting out with Mai Thai cocktails followed by a procession led by Their Excellencies Ambassador Sek Wannamethee and Ambassador Sunanta Kangvalkulkij , Jacques Mayer, owner Hôtel Beau-Rivage, Geneva and the Director of Patara, Pascal Brault who invited guests to delicately place their “loy krathong” in the historical fountain of the hotel. Mr. Mayer explained the meaning of this beautiful celebration during which each guest floated away their loy krathong, a banana-leaf floral décor with a lit candle, asking that all their worries float away and be forgiven. The evening was a joyous occasion with a full house!
Songkran 2018
Loy Krathong 2017
CLUB EVENTS
The American International Club (AIC) engaged Blue Heron Productions to re launch and develop their club, the largest and most prestigious outside of the United States. With over 600 members, the AIC’s key focus was on prestigious Speaker Luncheons and organizing not only the main American festivities, Thanksgiving and July 4th but also professional, sporting and cultural events. Mary Hofstetter was engaged as the Director of Development and COO and Maxime as Event Organizer to oversee more than 95 events in two years. BHP formulated a development strategy with two key aspects. It was vital to re-design all marketing materials. BHP undertook the redesign of the AIC logo; letterheads, membership cards, website, corporate partnership packages and upgraded all existing promotional materials such as their AIC Annual Program and Social Media Facebook / Linkedin. A focus on creating a homogeneous identity and branding integrating and linking all marketing materials to the club's prestigious Speaker’s Program and multicultural events. The other key focus was expanding the territory that the AIC operated within. BHP expanded the Club into the Canton de Vaud working closely with the Geneva and Vaud Economic Development Boards. These two strategies proved successful in not only increasing their new membership by 20%, more than doubling their Corporate Partners, multiplying event sponsors from one to 25, and advertising by 7 times. Blue Heron Productions with their important VIP contacts contributed to securing renown speakers for the club.
Luncheons
Thanksgiving Galas
Cultural & Sporting Events
Bernard Piguet VIP Tour
4th of July Celebration
SONEVA RESORTS & PRIVATE RESIDENCES
Blue Heron Productions organized for the Soneva Group a promotional event to discover the World of Soneva Resorts and Private Residences. Sonu Shivdasani, the Founder of the world famous Soneva brand of five-star eco luxury resorts, whose breathtakingly beautiful environmentally protected islands in the Maldives and Thailand, was present to inform our guests of the new experiences awaiting them on the islands. In a private lakeside villa, the event took place in collaboration with wildlife artists, Olly & Suzi, who auctioned one of their beautiful paintings in aid of the Blue Marine Foundation. Today celebrating their 20th Anniversary, Sonu and Eva continue to offer the world “intelligent luxury” to protect, learn and enjoy the beautiful environment we live in. Their new resort Soneva Jani, Maldives, has already received many travel awards, joining Soneva Fushi, in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. We were delighted to have the support of Rolls Royce, Only One Exclusive Insurance, Cyrus Watches, R & R Law Firm and Bang & Olufsen. Catering was done by the five-star Hôtel Beau-Rivage, Geneva and their Michelin star Chef Dominique Gauthier.
JET AVIATION
Blue Heron Productions had the pleasure to work for Jet Aviation, one of the world’s leading aviation companies, creating and organizing their VIP events during the most important global business aviation exhibition, EBACE for seven years, 2005-2013. We were requested to create events which would immerse their guests in the important culture and history of Geneva. From the Château de Coppet, where they were greeted by fire-eaters, falcons, jugglers and medieval dressed dancers and musicians, they truly time traveled the Middle Ages. At the Musée Ariana, in a stunning décor, guests were introduced to the world famous “Singing Waiters” flown in from London. A hilarious evening resulted when their “waiters” turned into opera singers with all the guests joining in. At the Grand Théâtre special performances of ballet and music were created for the guests of Jet Aviation held in their historic gold embellished dining room. In 2013, Blue Heron Productions was proud to be the organizer for the launch of their newly renovated FBO, Fixed Based Operator, at Geneva Airport, the video of which you can view here.
2013 - FBO Jet Aviation
2012 - Grand Théâtre Geneva
2011 - Musée Ariana Geneva
2008 - Château de Coppet
GRAND OPENING AND PRODUCT LAUNCH
FONDATION JAN MICHALSKI
POUR L'ECRITURE ET LA LITTERATURE
The Jan Michalski Foundation for Writing and Literature was created in 2004 at the foot of the Jura Mountains. Vera Michalski-Hoffmann opened the Foundation in her husband’s memory to perpetuate their common commitment to those who devote themselves to the written word. The mission of the Foundation is to foster literary creation and encourage the practice of reading through a range of initiatives and activities. These include mounting exhibitions and cultural events that have a connection with writing and literature, make a large multilingual library available to the public, awarding an annual prize in world literature, granting financial support, and hosting a writer-in-residence program.
Blue Heron Productions was honored to be invited to launch the Foundation in 2013. A Grand Opening took place in June with a VIP dinner for 500 guests catered by Benoit Violier, the celebrated three Michelin Star Chef from the Restaurant de Crissier. Throughout the evening artistic on site events took place. Inside the library readings of text theatre-style were staged in front of the delighted guests. In the auditorium a wonderful play, “The Serenade” of Slawomir Mrozek, the leading Polish dramatist, writer and cartoonist was produced by La Manufacture. Following the entertainment guests departed to the gardens and under the starlit canopy dined on delicious creative specialties Crissier is so celebrated for. The grand finale was a five-tiered cake dressed with sparklers to finish the evening in style!
Within 24 hours on Sunday, the entire grounds were transformed with a large tent installed as the entire commune was invited to celebrate the Grand Opening. The gardens opened on the Sunday with the “Hyde Park” readers, the library held its literary plays. Inside the outdoor tent, Mrozek’s play was produced for over 2’000 guests. To everyone’s surprise a hot air balloon arrived delighting the children who eagerly took rides in the Jan Michalski Foundation Balloon one can now see at the annual Châteaux d’Oex Balloon Festival.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE
The launch of the Obsessive Compulsive brand, high quality environmentally responsible Egyptian cotton men's and ladies shirts took place at Timothy Oulton's Lounge. In the elegant environment with leather sofas and natural wood tables, guests discovered Enrico Borger's shirt collection made from rare cotton harvested by hand, grown without pesticides, what Enrico defines as "Smart Luxury". A selected fifty guests dined on delicious Lebanese mezze and wines taking in the cozy ambiance and the occasion to purchase one of these rare chemises beautifully modeled by Nadine Graves.
CONFERENCES & SYMPOSIUM
The World Health Assembly hosts each year in May a global health assembly uniting Health Ministers, Health Attachés, Scientific Centers of Resources and the many NGOs involved in the world of prevention and promoting better health around the world. Blue Heron Productions was engaged as their main support in Geneva to collaborate with the GE Healthcare Teams from abroad supporting the organization of this important Symposium and Exhibition Space. BHP was responsible for extending the invitations around the world, advising of relevant local actors here in Geneva who focused on their health topics as well as visas, travel logistics, supplying printed documents, technical and catering support. The GE Healthcare Conference and Exhibition was an immense success and repeated in 2017.
In 2017, Blue Heron Productions equally supported the "Women in Global Health" Award Ceremony chaired by the CEO of GE Sustainable Healhcare Solutions, GE Healthcare, Terri Bresenham. GE Healthcare awards women around the world who have carried out outstanding dedication and work in healthcare, very often under difficult circumstances in developing countries. "Women in Global Health" promotes gender equality through this award ceremony as often many women go unrewarded for their important contribution in the health sector.
GE HEALTHCARE
GE 2017
GE 2016
“At GE Healthcare, we place tremendous value on training and education of healthcare professionals across emerging markets and we are starting from the frontlines by ensuring that 50 percent of our training places are available for women.”
-Terri Bresenham, President and CEO of Sustainable Healthcare Solutions, GE Healthcare.
"As we celebrate women in global health, we are taking a moment to recognize women's contributions to health and highlight their achievements. Through shining a light on the great leaders we have in the field, we aim to inspire everyone to do more to advance gender equality for the benefit of communities and public health all over the world,”
-Roopa Dhatt, Director and Co-founder of Women in Global Health.
THE NIPPON FOUNDATION
The Nippon Foundation from Tokyo, Japan, is a private, non-profit grant-making organization. The Nippon Foundation and its Chairman, Mr. Zohei Sasakawa, hosted a symposium on leprosy and human rights which brought together experts and leprosy affected people from around the world to talk about leprosy and leprosy discrimination.
Blue Heron Productions organized a symposium for The Nippon Foundation in collaboration with Raitt Orr & Associates (London) to promote their social innovations which first goal is to reduce the barriers between people, and that mutual aid to become natural.
Blue Heron Productions helped bring guests and speakers from all over the world and organized conference, visas, press, catering and accommodation.
Symposium on Leprosy and Human Rights
Symposium on Leprosy and Human Rights
Symposium on Leprosy and Human Rights
Symposium on Leprosy and Human Rights
CHARITY GALAS
Mary Hofstetter, the Director and Founder of Blue Heron Productions worked for the British Red Cross, London for eight years. She was the Fundraising Executive for their most high profile events which included the annual Red Cross Ball and created their first annual high fashion gala, collaborating with British Vogue. Each year guests enjoyed the thrill of a Christian Dior Fashion Gala at the Royal Opera House or an Escada Haute Couture with Harry Winston at the Natural History Museum, featuring a catwalk around the dinosaur. Mary went on to create their first polo tournament in aid of the British Red Cross, where guests discovered Royal Tents for the “Nights of the Raj”, camels and falcons for “Moroccan Dreams”. Her originality and exciting events resulted in raising over £9 million for the charity and were amongst the most high profile events in London.
In 2002, given her in-depth experience and success, Mary was invited to create the first important fundraising gala in the birthplace of the Red Cross, Geneva, Switzerland, sponsored by JP Morgan and Bulgari. Setting up offices and creating their volunteer committee, the first Red Cross Ball was launched entitled “La Dolce Vita” starring Zucchero, the famous Italian Pop singer whose sensational album “Baila” was taking over the world of pop. Over 800 guests attended including Royalty, celebrities, many of whom travelled thousands of miles to attend. The event was a great success and the decision was taken to maintain it as the most important annual fundraising gala of the Swiss Red Cross.
A vital factor that has made Blue Heron Productions so successful is its key contacts in the entertainment industry, whether it be in music, dance or fashion. Following 8 years, working on high profile events in the capital of entertainment, London, Mary brought her many contacts to Switzerland to create spectacular events each year.
For the Red Cross, Mary went on to launch the cities of Zürich and Basel, setting up their first galas in these key cities. Zürich became the city of high fashion events, with Christian Dior presenting their exquisite collection at The Dolder and in Basel, Mary turned to the arts and culture, collaborating with the Ballet of Basel and flying in performers such as the world famous Spanish flamenco dancer, Joaquin Cortes. Spanish carriages, torches and red roses marked the occasion.
Mary developed the first TB-AIDS Eli Lilly Swiss Red Cross Partnership with Dr. Patrizia Carlevaro, Eli Lilly, resulting in over CHF 250’000 in donations to the Red Cross AIDS hospital in Swaziland. Emergency disaster donations were secured for Haiti and other disaster zones by reaching out to the important contacts.
Raising over £9 million for the British Red Cross of London and CHF 8 million for the Swiss Red Cross, Blue Heron Productions has created some of the world’s most successful fundraising galas that ensured long term funds for the charities.
Now we want to help create the perfect charity event for you to raise funds and create awareness for your cause and expand your donor base.
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As you view the various charity events featured below and produced by Blue Heron Productions, you will see the important number of main sponsors that were secured to support the events. From luxury jewelers, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chopard, Boghossian to the top watch companies, Rolex, Omega, Jaeger-leCoultre, private banks, JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch, the Guaranty Trust Bank of Africa, Banque Piguet Galland & Cie, PWC, and many others, BHP developed numerous barters with champagne houses, limousines, airlines, greatly contributing to important savings for the production of high profile galas.
Blue Heron Productions worked with multiple sponsors most of whom remained for many years showing the satisfaction of our sponsors. Exciting tombola and auction lots resulted in significant funds for the Charity. From custom-made Harley Davidsons’s to five-star private villas in the Madives, Blue Heron Productions collaborated with the most prestigious auction houses, such as Christies, Sotheby’s and Simon de Pury.
Maxime Laperrouze for over 8 years has given vital support to each and every event, logistic, budgeting, invitation design, program creation, database management and much more.
SWISS RED CROSS BALL GENEVA
Since its creation in 2002 by Mary Hofstetter, the Swiss Red Cross Ball remains the single most important annual fundraising event for the Swiss Red Cross. The event took place in Geneva, honoring the national origins of the Red Cross Movement. Proceeds from the evening benefited a special fund "Victims of Forgotten Disasters". This fund supported important work in communities worldwide, where suffering continued while media attention diminished.
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During 12 years, this prestigious black tie gala was attended by more than 800 international guests from the world of society, politics, entertainment and business, who anticipated the performance of a celebrity performer of international renown, a spectacular fashion show, the excitement of a live auction and a highly imaginative decor. Each year the Michelin Star Chef of the five-star Hôtel Beau-Rivage, Geneva, Dominique Gauthier, thrilled our guests with an exquisite menu.
The Red Cross Ball's success can clearly be measured by the funds it raised each year and by the exposure generated for such an important cause. A special Thank You to the Volunteer Committee who gave wonderful support. Between 2002 and 2013, the Swiss Red Cross Ball Geneva raised more than CHF 7,000,000.-
2013 - Dreams from the Bosphorus
On the occasion of its 12th edition, the Swiss Red Cross Ball pays tribute to Turkey. 2013 was the year of the 150th anniversary of the Red Cross. Under the Patronage of the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr. Ueli Maurer, the Ball was honored to welcome from Turkey our Honorary Chairperson Mrs. Demet Sabancı ÇetindoÄan, renowned for her humanitarian work and one of Turkey’s leading businesswomen and entrepreneurs.
Two of the greatest stars of Turkish music performed at the Red Cross Ball: Burhan Öçal, singer, percussionist and actor; and Mustafa Sandal, pop singer, composer and one of the most popular producers in Turkey with 15 million recordings sold.
The renowned fashion designer Dilek Hanif, combining tradition and innovation to ideally express the style of modern Turkey, came from Istanbul to present her latest creations, ornamented by jewels from Chopard. The gala evening drew to a close to the sounds of Salih Saka, one of the most popular DJs in Istanbul and abroad. The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Chopard, Turkish Airlines and Guaranty Trust Bank.
Dreams from the Bosphorus
Tulip Wall
DJ Salih Saka
Dreams from the Bosphorus
2012 - The Year of the Dragon
The 11th edition of the Swiss Red Cross Ball opened with an address by Michelle Yeoh, the celebrated Asian Star and member of the Honorary Committee. The Arena was beautifully decorated with exotic Asian antiques and silks.
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Shen Wei, the world renowned choreographer and dancer who opened the Beijing Olympics, known for his captivating shows, gave form to his poetic imagination in a performance of "Folding". Guo Pei, the star of Chinese haute couture, presented her breathtaking "Legend of the Dragon" collection.
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The Dinner created by Dominique Gauthier was exquisitely infused with Asian spices. The auction, conducted by Simon de Pury, included a striking sculpture by Chinese Artist Zhang Huang and a limited edition Bruce Lee writing instrument by Montegrappa, amongst others. The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève, Air France/KLM, Guaranty Trust Bank and Blacksand.
Ambiance
Guo Pei Model
Dessert By HĆ“tel Beau-Rivage
Ambiance
2011 - The Swinging Sixties
For its 10th anniversary, the Swiss Red Cross Ball was held in Morges. For the first time in continental Europe, the famous Jersey Boys, from the West End London show, got everyone dancing to hits from the 1960s by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, followed by unforgettable Beatles songs performed by the Bootleg Beatles. Stunning Sixties Fashion Show by Geneva's talented Couturier Arasa Morelli. Fabulous decor was generously donated by Andrew Martin London.
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The evening continued with an auction conducted by David Bennett, Sotheby's, comprising exceptional lots such as a trip to the Maldives donated by Six Senses Laamu, and a jewellery set specially created by the exquisite Geneva jeweller Boghossian. The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève, Guaranty Trust Bank and Boghossian Jewels.
The Jersey Boys
The Bootleg Beatles
DJ Donny D Cruz
The Jersey Boys
2010 - The Splendour of India
Celebrating the "Splendour of India", the Swiss Red Cross Ball was placed under the Patronage of His Highness the Maharaja of Jodhpur and the Honorary Chairman, the beautiful Shania Twain.
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The guests especially enjoyed the concert by the Indian musician Anoushka Shankar and the Indian themed dinner. The fashion show by the Indian designer Varun Bahl was breathtaking, featuring magnificient Boghossian jewels. The music from DJ Donna D'Cruz entertained the guests until three in the morning. The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève, Rolex, Guaranty Trust Bank, Veolia Environnement, Qatar Airways and Boghossian Jewels.
Room Decoration
Qatar Airways Lounge
Adriana Karembeu
Room Decoration
2009 - The Magic of Africa
Under the High Patronage of Swiss President Hans-Rudolf Merz, the Swiss Red Cross Ball guests enjoyed the colorful concert by the famous African performer Ismaël Lo. The fashion show by the Geneva Haute Couture fashion house Arasa Morelli entitled "Colours of Africa" was spectacular. The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève, Guaranty Trust Bank, Rolex and Mouawad.
Arasa Morelli Fashion Show
Ismael Lo
Mary Hofstetter and the two co-chairpersons of the Executive Committee
Arasa Morelli Fashion Show
2008 - The Best of Brazil
Tropical and exotic! That is the best description of the 7th Swiss Red Cross Ball held at Palexpo in a setting of lush vegetation and to a samba beat. A concert by Daniela Mercury was the highlight of the evening. The 2007 Latin Grammy award-winner and her dancers brought the venue alive with the rhythm of the Bahia Carnival.
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Brazil was also present in the creations of the designer talented Carlos Miele in collaboration with Van Cleef & Arpels and Hublot watches. A message by the Brazilian Minister of Culture, Gilberto Gil, the Honorary Patron of the event, and the Brazilian gastronomic delights provided by the Hôtel Beau-Rivage Geneva further punctuated the evening. The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Daniela Mercuri
Table Decor
Daniela Mercuri
Daniela Mercuri
2007 - Stetson, Satin and Lace
Over 900 guests attended the 6th Swiss Red Cross Ball in a wonderful Country and Western setting decorated with rare cactus and an elegant saloon, sparkling with Swarovski crystals. In the colors of the Far West, the evening was highlighted by a fashion show by the Texan designer Lela Rose. A dozen mannequins paraded in front of the guests and presented the exquisite jewels from Van Cleef & Arpels and watches from the fabulous Omega collection.
The guests and the Honorary Patron, Shania Twain, as well as the surprise guest Naomi Campbell, were entertained with a concert by three American stars of Country music: Jenai, Jarrod Birmingham and George Ducas. The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève, Van Cleef & Arpels, OMEGA, Banque Piguet & Cie, with the support of Swiss and PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
Cocktail Decoration
Shania Twain
Ambiance
Cocktail Decoration
2006 - The Night of the Orchids
Thailand was the chosen honored country. H.R.H. Princess Ubolratana of Thailand was present as Honorary Patron. The sumptuous decor was brought to life by the main sponsors, Van Cleef & Arpels, who also celebrated their Centennial. The Hôtel Beau-Rivage of Geneva, celebrating its own 140th Anniversary, created an exquisite Thai menu with a joint collaboration between their award-winning Chef, Dominique Gauthier and Patara, renown for its exquisite Thai cuisine.
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An oriental ambiance perfumed by thousands of fresh orchids flown in from Thailand especially for the evening and kindly sponsored by His Excellency the Ambassador of Thailand Pradap Pribulsonggram, guests were dazzled by a special haute couture fashion show by Thai designer Pichita, featuring beautiful Asian models and silks from Thailand’s Royal Household. The Guest Performer was the outstanding virtuoso violinist of Asian heritage, Vanessa-Mae. The evening paid homage to the 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Switzerland. The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève, Van Cleef & Arpels, OMEGA and THAI.
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Vanessa Mae
Orchid Bar
Princess Ubolratana of Thailand
Vanessa Mae
2005 - Ronan Keating Live
The Swiss Red Cross welcomed superstar Guest Performer, Ronan Keating. In honour of his Irish origins, our sponsor Van Cleef & Arpels created an enchanted forest setting, evocative of Ireland’s beautiful landscapes. Mr. Samuel Schmid, President of the Swiss Confederation, served as Patron, Shania Twain as Guest star and François Curiel, Director of Christie’s Europe, presided over the live auction.
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Exciting lots included an exquisite pavé of diamonds matching to white gold "lucky" shamrock-shaped earrings and a ring set, by Van Cleef & Arpels, a V.I.P. trip for two to the Pre-Regatta America’s Cup race with the Alinghi team, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Bertarelli, and a custom made Harley Davidson motorcycle. The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève, Van Cleef & Arpels, BMW and Jet Aviation.
Ronan Keating
Ronan Keating
Ronan Keating
2004 - Havana Nights
Guests were priviledged to welcome a rare performance by Ibrahim Ferrer and Omara Portuondo of the Buena Visto Social Club. The evening also included a surprise musical performance by Kirsty Bertarelli.
The evening's proceeds benefited Swiss Red Cross Projects in Bulgaria (home-care system), Honduras (health and hygiene), Swaziland (AIDS orphans) and Tibet (public healthcare system). The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève, Chopard, Synthesis Bank and Global Investment & Marketing SA.
Omara Portuondo and Ibrahim Ferrer
Decoration
Ambiance
Omara Portuondo and Ibrahim Ferrer
2003 - And now... Ladies & Gentlemen
An exotic ambiance, reminiscent of Morocco, was created to reflect the setting of Patricia Kaas' latest film co-starring Jeremy Irons, who was also present during the evening.
H.S.H. Prince Albert de Monaco demonstrated his support by acting as Honorary Overseas President and attending the Ball. The auction conducted by Francois Curiel of Christie's Europe, presented spectacular lots such as an exceptional evening of entertainment at Pathé Cinéma for 80 guests and a Golden Diamond necklace by Chopard. The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève and Merrill Lynch.
His Highness Prince Albert de Monaco, Jeremy Irons and Jean-Claude Brialy
Ambiance
His Highness Prince Albert de Monaco, Jeremy Irons and Jean-Claude Brialy
2002 - La Dolce Vita
Launch of the first Swiss Red Cross Ball!
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The evening Guest Performer of the First Swiss Red Cross Ball was Zucchero, who ignited the evening with his talent and energy. Main sponsors included JP Morgan Private Bank, Bulgari and the Hôtel Beau-Rivage. The Ball was held under the patronage of Mr. Kaspar Villiger, former President of the Swiss Confederation. The President of the Ball was H.R.H. Maria Gabriella Princess of Savoy and Countess Maily Zegna di Monterubello served as Honorary Patron. The Ball was kindly sponsored by Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève and JP Morgan Private Bank.
Zucchero
Zucchero
SWISS RED CROSS GALAS
Following the success of the first high profile Swiss Red Cross Ball in Geneva, Switzerland created by Mary Hofstetter, Director of Blue Heron Productions, in 2002, there came requests to set up other galas in the key cities of Switzerland, such as Zürich and Basel for the Swiss Red Cross.
Mary launched the first gala in Zürich in collaboration with Christian Dior in 2003 at the Grand Dolder Hotel under the Honorary Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan. We were honored by a special performance by the famous French singer Patricia Kaas, which was a great success. Having collaborated in London with Christian Dior for the launch of John Galliano’s first show at The Dorchester Hotel, followed by a stunning show at the Royal Opera House, Mary had formed close collaboration with Dior. Christian Dior generously offered a John Galliano Signature Evening Dress for the auction. Following the success of the first Red Cross Gala in Zürich the decision was taken to make it a biannual fundraising event for the Red Cross in Zurich. In 2007, we were honored by His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco as our Honorary Patron. He was celebrating in Monaco his mother, Princess Grace’s 25th Anniversary dedicated to the Red Cross of Monaco. A projection of HSH Princess Grace of Monaco, with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. in black n white, set to the music of “Your Unforgettable” brought tears to the eyes of all our guests. Princess Grace was truly unforgettable. François Curiel, Christie’s, auctioned with great talent lots such as a heart-stopping famous Cresta Toboggan Run in St. Moritz and an exclusive behind-the-scenes trip to the Dior Couture Atelier in Paris. Credit Suisse was the Main Sponsor for all Swiss Red Cross Galas in Zürich. In 2009, Dior again, thrilled the guests, as no other fashion house can with a stunning runways show. Auction lots under talented hammer of Simon de Pury, a private villa in the luxury eco resort Soneva Fushi in the Maldives; the opportunity to be photographed by the famous Elliott Erwitt as well as VIP tickets to the Grand Slam tennis tournament with Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka were only a few of the amazing to raise funds for aid projects in Bangladesh, Paraguay, Bolivia and Ecuador.
Blue Heron Productions, under the Direction of Mary Hofstetter then launched the first fundraising gala in Basel for the Swiss Red Cross in 2006 at the invitation of Eric Sarasin. The Bank Sarasin generously sponsored the event. Basel being renowned for its culture and art, made it an easy choice to fly in the celebrated contemporary Spanish flamenco dancer, Joaquin Cortes. Guest arrived in Spanish carriages, descending into the national park of Riehen, torches lighting the way, to the riding center where the event took place, laden with red roses in honor of the Spanish colors. Not only did Joaquin set the night on fire, but also our auctioneer Simon de Pury, when he auctioned the generous lot of a Miro offered by the Fondation Beyeler which was followed by a private dinner in the famous Basel Zoo Lion Cage! Again a great success. It was decided to host the Red Cross Gala in Basel, biannual as well. The following year, in 2008, an outstanding show “One Off” was created by the talented Richard Wherlock, Ballet of Basel. Caroline Lang, Sotheby’s conducted an exciting auction with another stunning donation by the Foundation Beyeler of a Picasso. In 2011, “Stetson, Satin & Lace” a country western show was held in a most unique location-a private jet hangar kindly donated by Jet Aviation. What a night! “Texas Lighting” flew in to perform and guests reeled throughout the night with a private Boeing 747 in the background. Breitling Watches offered a stunning men’s watch and Soneva Kiri, Six Senses, continued their grand generosity with a Private Residence in Thailand and the Foundation Beyeler a Jean Dubuffet Limited Edition contributed all to the important funds raised for the Red Cross aid projects.
A special thank you and dedication to Countess Celia von Bismarck, the Swiss Red Cross Ambassadress, who donated her time and efforts to be with us on every evening and in aid projects around the world to communicate the Red Cross Message and work.
Both Zürich and Basel continue today as important fundraising events for the Swiss Red Cross. Blue Heron Productions is proud to be the Founder and Director for six editions.
2006 - Basel
2007 - Zürich
2009 - Zürich
2008 - Basel
2011 - Basel
Stallion Boots decoration by Pedro Munoz
FONDATION SANFILIPPO
Created by Mr. Frédéric Morel, the foundation raises funds to mainly support, develop, finance and promote scientific programs of worldwide research to develop a cure for this degenerative genetic disease that is both rare and life-threatening, the Sanfilippo disease or “Mucopolysaccharidosis”, mainly of type III.
In August 2008, Mr. Morel and his wife learned that their four-year old daughter Charlotte suffers from this devastating and incurable disease. āEvery Autumn, a Sunday brunch at a top hotel witnessed the charming and warm-hearted modeling of children accompanied by their parents to raise funds for Sanfilippo. The top childrens fashion houses (Il Gufo, V-Young, Cordelia de Castellane) supported each year.
2009
2011
2010
2012
UNION FOR INTERNATIONAL CANCER CONTROL
With exceptional performances by one of Spain’s most famous flamenco singer, Pitingo, and the fiery flamenco dancer, Belén Lopez, the Festa Flamenca was a fabulous gala evening designed to raise awareness and raise funds for the UICC (Union Internationale Contre le Cancer). The Gala took place on the World Cancer Day in the Halles Sécheron, Geneva, superbly decorated by Jorge Canete. The Gala was attended by the Honorary President of Jordan, Princess Dina Mired and Her Excellency Tobeka Madiba-Zuma, First Lady of South Africa, Guest of Honor.
PR and PRESS
Swiss Red Cross Balls
