On May 22, we welcomed donors, volunteers and supporters of Cedar Foundation at our traditional Donor Appreciation Day at the Hyatt Regency Sofia. This year’s event was even more special for us because it marked the beginning of the foundation’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
In addition to highlighting key successes from our work, the event also showcased our 2024 Annual Report, shared exciting stories from life in our centres and celebrated the support of all those who stand steadfastly by our side.
Upon entering the hall, guests had the opportunity to view our history and trace the long road we have walked together from 2005 to this day. Each attendee was able to return to the moment they first supported the foundation. The memories came alive – of the beginning, of the journey, of the changes in the lives of the children, but also in ourselves. Because Cedar connects, inspires and leaves a lasting mark on everyone who is part of the change.
The official part of the event was opened with an address by our Executive Director Adriana Gottsova.
“In 2025, Cedar Foundation celebrates a milestone anniversary. Twenty years is no small feat – it reflects the resilience of a civic initiative that began with the passion of a few like-minded individuals determined to help children live better lives and to make our society more inclusive and supportive.
Today, 20 years later, I’m proud to say that Cedar is a recognized name among professionals in the social sector. Cedar plays a key role in the ongoing reform of Bulgaria’s social care system and is a trusted partner to government and municipal institutions.
Cedar has contributed to positive change in the lives of over 3,000 children and young people in vulnerable situations and continues to provide care and support to more than 80 individuals – both children and adults who have grown up with us over the years.
Our donor community now includes hundreds of individuals, all united by the goal of changing lives and making Bulgaria a better place.”
This year, on the occasion of our 20th anniversary, we were proud to present 20 special awards to individuals and companies who have contributed significantly to the development of the foundation over the years. It was one of the key and most memorable moments of the evening – a gesture of appreciation to the partners who sustainably support our mission.
The awarded organisations were Orphan Sponsorship International, CMS Sofia, Benefit Systems Bulgaria (Multisport), Lagardère Travel Retail, Hilton Sofia, Lead2Lid, Bulgaria Mall, J.J. Murphy’s Irish Pub, Dundee Precious Metals, Komunitas Foundation, SPARK, AG Capital, Paradise Center, Hyatt Regency Sofia and Veselite Kambanki Private Kindergarten. In addition to these, individual donors and supporters of the cause, without whom our achievements would not have been possible, were honoured.
As a token of gratitude, we presented the attendees with a card with a drawing and a message prepared by the children – a small but heartfelt gesture that touched everyone.
The main attraction during the event was the photo mirror provided by Fotoninja.bg, which allowed every guest to capture an unforgettable moment from the evening and leave with something to remember.
For the most interesting of our activities in the past year, read our Annual Report. Our heartfelt thanks to all who were with us to celebrate the Foundation’s successes together. We would also like to thank our main event partner, Hyatt Regency Sofia, for providing the hall and catering free of charge for the 4th year in a row. We would like to thank Quadrant Beverages, Georgievi Bros. and Pernod Ricard who donated the drinks, Fotoninja.bg who provided a photo mirror, and Petya Pekunova from Smailka Photography who filmed the event for free.
