Goodwill messenger Marcia Cross presents a check to ambassador Ann-Kathrin Götze

Dec. 2025

The PATRIZIA Foundation on the red carpet – an evening that touched us deeply.
At the Mon Chéri Barbara Day on 04 December 2025, we not only had the honour of walking the red carpet – our projects and the children we support worldwide also stepped into the spotlight. And we received a generous cheque for our major goal: reaching one million children by 2030.

Mon Chéri Barbara Day is an annual charity event hosted by confectionery manufacturer Ferrero, held around 4 December, the feast day of Saint Barbara. Celebrities come together to raise donations for charitable causes and to draw attention to social projects. The event combines a festive atmosphere with social engagement. This year’s guests included TV host Frauke Ludowig, model Franziska Knuppe, and singer Yvonne Catterfeld. Surrounded by red décor, guests celebrated together with drinks and canapés.

The highlight of the evening:
U.S. actress and “goodwill messenger” Marcia Cross, together with Ferrero representative Andreas Lehmann, presented our wonderful ambassador Ann-Kathrin Götze with a cheque for 60,000 euros for the PATRIZIA Foundation. Ann-Kathrin briefly introduced our foundation and emphasised the importance of the event:
“Events like this give the foundation visibility. There are so many projects, and of course a lot is needed to keep everything running.”
A gesture of appreciation and support for which we are deeply grateful.

This is exactly what we felt that evening:
Our mission touched people.
Our projects were seen.
Our children were given a voice.

A heartfelt and enormous thank you to Mon Chéri for this overwhelming support and for giving our projects a platform.
This evening has given us strength, hope and visibility – and will hold a special place in the history of our foundation.

Many thanks to Ann-Kathrin Götze, who advocates for our worldwide projects and for children across the globe – for better future opportunities everywhere.

A Musical Programme with Lasting Impact

Young musicians from the MiSST programme welcomed guest with an opening performance. Throughout the evening, the students further captivated guests with their performances, including Adoration by Florence Price and selected pieces from The Phantom of the Opera.  

 

 

An Evening of Shared Vision and Personal Stories

In his welcoming speech, Wolfgang Egger talked about the importance of investing in young people and creating opportunities that allow them to thrive — academically, personally and socially. Ambassador Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber delivered a passionate speech on the importance of protecting arts education in the UK, particularly at a time when music and creative subjects continue to face significant cuts within the school system. He spoke movingly about the responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to creativity, culture and music education.

Chairwoman of the Board Astrid Gabler, together with Board Member James Muir, reflected on their recent visit to one of the programme’s partner schools. James shared how deeply a passionate music teacher had influenced him during his own school years and how this experience continues to shape his belief in the importance of the support in education infrastructure. 

Rachel Landon, CEO MiSST, brought the programme vividly to life through inspiring footage and powerful stories from participating students, offering guests a meaningful glimpse into the daily impact of the initiative.

One of the most moving moments of the evening came from Rain Spiegel-Johnson, a former participant of the programme, who shared her personal journey. She spoke openly about how access to music education has shaped her confidence, supported her personal development, and positively influenced her life path. 

 

PATRIZIA Music Programme 

With the PATRIZIA Music Programme, the PATRIZIA Foundation continues its commitment to educational support and equal opportunities across Europe. The programme was established to provide children and young people from disadvantaged communities in the United Kingdom with access to high-quality music education and to open new pathways for their personal and academic development. In partnership with MiSST, the programme supports schools in Morecambe and Manchester by providing classical musical instruments, professional music tuition and regular performance opportunities. Over the course of three years, the PATRIZIA Foundation is funding 300 instruments, creating long-term access to cultural education and helping young people build brighter futures through the transformative power of music.