Natalia Vodianova held the first Naked Heart Foundation charity gala in Switzerland to help children with special needs and their families

The Secret Garden charity gala, generously supported by Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Chopard, was held in the Swiss heritage site of national significance, iconic Coppet Castle, Canton of Vaud, on 13 June 2019.

Hosted by the Naked Heart Foundation (Switzerland) trustees Frederik Paulsen and Olga Litviniuk, the magical black-tie gala became the event of the year, attracting the crème de la crème of Swiss society and raised over 900,000 EURO for the charity, founded by Natalia Vodianova to provide free support services for families of children with autism and other special needs, as well as create inclusive play facilities for children of all abilities.

The Secret Garden guests included: Natalia Vodianova, Rita Ora, DJ Cassidy, Elsa Hosk, Petra Nemcova, Caroline Scheufele, Xenia Adonts, Alberta Ferretti, POLINA, Kirsty Bertarelli, Romain Grosjean, Simon Kidston, Riccardo Tattoni, Philippe Ghanem and his wife Maya and more.

The evening programme presented by model and philanthropist Petra Nemcova encompassed the best performances of classical music and dance, including the famous Menuhin Academy Orchestra, and 8 year old piano prodigy Elisey Mysin. The guests enjoyed Dom Pérignon cocktails and an exquisite dinner created by two Michelin star chef Philippe Chevrier from Domaine Chateauvieux.

The entertainment was followed by both live and silent auction held by Swiss art auctioneer and collector Simon de Pury, with stunning lots including a meet and greet with legendary Elton John; exclusive shoes created in collaboration between René Caovilla and Chopard; Mamont Camp – ultimate adventure in the remote wilderness of northern Russia in glamping style; live painting by Michael Raivard and many other ‘money-can’t-buy’ experiences and ultra-luxury items.

The highlight of the evening was an exclusive performance by global superstar Rita Ora, followed by a special set by DJ Cassidy.

Rita Ora commented on the evening:

“I really admire everything the Naked Heart Foundation stands for – providing support not only for children with special needs but their parents too. Growing up surrounded by a support network of family and friends has shaped who I am today and everyone deserves to be given the opportunity to flourish and shine. I’m so excited to be here tonight to perform and support such an incredible charity.”

Natalia Vodianova describes the event:

“The Secret Garden is a place that makes us remember the importance and invaluableeffect of family – the perfect metaphor for Naked Heart Foundation where professional family support services are at the centre of everything we do. A strong, supportive and inclusive family life is essential for child development and providing the fertile ground in which a child can flourish, and it’s especially important for those with mental, physical or sensory disabilities. I’m delighted that the gala tonight raised much-needed funds for this crucial work, also bringing awareness of special needs and the importance of professional support for these children”

The Secret Garden committee included Alexandra de Pfyffer, Alina Suleimenova, Angela McCarthy, Britta Carpigo, Cathie Weir, Christopher Mouravieff Apostol, Claire Anne Stroll, Clarina Hocké, Elena Rybolovleva, Ellie Fryer, Emily Vossen, Gulum Khalilova, Ipek Gibbins, Julia Baumhoff, Lina Tabbara, Maya Ghanem, Natalia Törnqvist, Nathalia Wallart, Olga Litviniuk, Rosie Kidston, Sonia Pronk and Svetlana Aksenenko.

All the funds raised at the event will benefit the Naked Heart Foundation (Switzerland) for its actions helping children with special needs.

Naked Heart Foundation is grateful to all of the donors and partners for their support of the charity at the Secret Garden gala: Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Chopard and personally Caroline Scheufele, Mindmaze and Pictet.

Froriep is an official legal partner of Naked Heart Foundation, Switzerland. Secret Garden is produced by Britta Carpigo from Mosaic Sàrl.

For any media requests please contact: Anna Jillings-Mozhutina anna@nakedheart.orgNOTES TO EDITORS

Naked Heart Foundation is an international charity founded by Natalia Vodianova in 2004. Its main mission is to help build an inclusive society that is open to people with disabilities and special needs, through encouraging play and creation of free support services for such families. To date over 200 play facilities have been built in more than 150 towns in Russia and beyond, and the Foundation continues to support a range of Russian NGOs helping children with special needs, as well as running Family Support and Early Intervention centres, training teachers of special schools and nurseries using modern technologies for working with children with autism and organising annual international “Every Child Deserves a Family” forum for childcare professionals, which attracts hundreds of specialists from around the world.

The Naked Heart Foundation (Switzerland) established in Spring 2019 is a Swiss tax- exempt charitable foundation with seat in Geneva.

Find out more: nakedheart.orgInstagram.com/NakedHeartFoundation Twitter.com/NakedHeartF Facebook.com/NHFcharity