On April 1, 2023 American Friends of Georgia (AFG) held the first charity Gala since the pandemic, the Spring Charity Gala at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace Hotel. It was a fabulous evening with an auction of fine paintings by Georgian artists, a fine ballet recital by students from the Georgian State Ballet, and moving performances by the Tbilisi Women Choir, pianist Nika Nikvashvili and violinist, Lela Mchedlidze.
The Gala raised a record amount totaling well over $132,000. The funds will benefit AFG’s two main projects: Dzegvi Shelter and Mercy Center Hospice and Palliative Homecare Program (Peristvaleba Hospice & Palliative Home Care program)
The event was attended by 370 guests including representatives of the diplomatic corps and business world, leading international and Georgian organizations and corporations.
The highlight of the evening was the auction of outstanding art and a pair of ballet slippers that Nina Ananiashvili wore as the Prima Ballerina of the Bolshoi Ballet. Artwork was donated by such artists as Lado Gudiashvili, Korneli Sanadze, Tamuna Melikishvili, Levan Bujiashvili, Marc Chagal, Mamuka Tsetskhladze, Lia Shvelidze, Keti Shalamberidze, Lena Kiladze, David Sulakauri, Nina Kipshidze, Yuri Mechitov, Georgi Alexi-Meskhishvili, Maka Gotsiridze, Rusudan Chikvaidze, Tutu Kiladze, Tinatin Chkhikvishvili, Nina Ananiashvili, Irakli Moreli, Tornike Robakidze, Merab Gugunashvili. Many thanks to these artists for their support of our work in Georgia.
The event started with a cocktail reception in the lobby of the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace Hotel with art on display by prominent Georgian artists to be auctioned during the Gala by Cliff Isaak, Auctioneer Extraordinaire and Honorary Consul of Canada to Georgia. Cocktails were followed by dinner, the menu of which was specially designed for the Gala by Sheraton’s excellent chef. Exceptional wines were provided by Schumi Winery. A diverse musical performance included the young ballerinas of V.Chabukiani Tbilisi State Ballet School, Tbilisi Women Choir led by Omar Burduli, French Composers’ Association member, composer and pianist Nika Nikvashvili & Lela Mchedlidze, the first violin in the Symphony Orchestra of Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater.
AFG extends warm and grateful thanks to the Gala’s sponsors.
A special thank you to Petrocas Energy Group, Patron of the Gala and our long-time partner.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Many thanks also to our Sapphire sponsors. These are leading international and local corporations as well as family foundations and individual donors from the US. Simon Sidamon-Eristoff, Andrew and Catherine Baxter Sidamon-Eristoff , Kyra Cheremeteff & Thomas Richardson, Elizabeth Zaldastani Napier, Richard and Mariam Otkhmezuri Charlton, Susan Graham, M.D. and Jon Kucera, M.D, Andrea Dee Harris, Nino Japaridze, Liberty Pattillo, Lika Arce, Keith Harrison, Elena Barnum
Many thanks also to the many Georgian companies who donated beautiful gifts and amazing prizes for the Gala raffle.
And a special thank you to the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace Hotel for being very gracious hosts.
Only Together We Can Make a Difference!
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