On September 29, 2021, we held the hybrid charity event “Sky is the limit” in support of children and young people with disabilities and those deprived of parental care. The aim was to draw attention to disadvantaged children and the barriers they face, and also to bring together supporters of the cause and donors to join forces to create new opportunities for the most vulnerable.
The event was held at the Hilton Hotel, and was streamed live on our Facebook page, allowing participants from different countries and cities to attend and lend their support.
“Most of you know that the children we care for have been through a lot. They know the limitations from early childhood – from limited contact with their parents, to limited access to proper education and medical care, to the limited and stereotypical attitudes of people in our society. The good news is that for the past 16 years, we have been there for them. But they also have your support, which makes sure that the organization has the resources and staff it needs to continue its mission.” With these words, Iva Hadzhiyska, Director of Fundraising and Communications, welcomed guests live and online. Vanya Stratieva, Program Director of the Foundation, added: “We are here for them – to hug and listen to them, to take care of them when they are sick or have problems at school. To encourage them when they learn to read or how to eat with a spoon. And every day we work beyond labels, think outside the box and do all we can to provide a safe home and raise happy young people. It’s hard, but we’re happy and proud with every small victory, every step after months of physical therapy, every new skill learned by the children in our centres. For us, there are no limits to our efforts to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.“
Following these powerful words, attendees of the event also had the opportunity to see the moving story of one of the youth in our care and support the cause through various methods of giving, some of which included a charity prize draw with attractive prizes, a silent auction with unique photographs donated by artists to support the cause and a direct donation to a specific need.
Hosting the program for the third consecutive year was actor and activist Stefan A. Shtereff. The good atmosphere was provided by the musicians from Paraplanner.
United, live and online, the supporters of the cause managed to raise over 78 000 leva. They will be used to provide a family environment and specialized support for over 100 children and young people deprived of parental care or with severe intellectual disabilities living in the centers we manage. In order to provide quality individual care for a period of one year, our organization needs a minimum of 600 000 leva.
Anyone wishing to support disadvantaged children can do so on the donation platform, which will be open until 8 October 2021.
The costs for the organization of the event are covered thanks to the sponsors and partners: CMS Sofia, Hilton Sofia, America for Bulgaria Foundation, AG Capital, Komunitas Foundation, Dundee Precious Metals. The raffle prizes were kindly provided by Gela Hotel, Wooden spoon, Sircrow, Gelato&Latte, Amuse Bouche, Dabov Specialty Coffee, Yoga Vibe and Modica Artisan Chocolates. Media partners of the event are.
