The 9th Annual Better World Awards , during the Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco, was held inside the Salle Empire at The Hôtel De Paris, Monte Carlo, on Friday May 24th 2019. The humanitarian salute brought together 25 countries, to recognise individuals who make the world a better place.
The auction proceeds were donated to the footballforpeace.org foundation, with founder, Kash Siddiqi, the British Soccer football player, and ambassador of “Kick it out”, an anti racism organization. In November 2013, Siddiqi was honoured by Prince Albert II of Monaco for his charity work, while last year he joined with Prince William to launch the #FootballSavesLives campaign and he also met with the Pope. Additionally, Sponsor David Wood, of David Wood Enterprises, Executive Producer of The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ upcoming film, and Valentina Quinn of Quinn Productions (the famed Anthony Quinn’s daughter-in-law ), made a generous donation of 100,000 Euros to the foundation right on the spot to get the auction enthusiasm going. Executive Producer of the Better World Awards, for nine years, Gina De Franco a native Californian and long time resident of both New York City and The Cote d’ Azur, is well known for bringing celebrity and society together. She opened the event with a rousing announcement, that David Wood has pledged to support and underwrite as a sponsor, the next ten years of The Better World Awards, which will be both televized and streamed online.
“It’s a new way to raise funds in this high tech era” De Franco noted. Kids can log onto their phones as they watch performances by their favourite artists and be inspired by athletic and celebrity humanitarian heroes. Giving one dollar, one pound, or one yen, times an audience of 20 million can build a real fundraising effort for the three charities we will help next year. “We will announce those benefitting charities this summer on our website.“
Jensen Choong, The Global Humanitarian Award recipient head of Mia Foundation, and sponsor to The 9th Annual Better World Awards, Roc 4 Humanity received the Global Humanitarian Award as Johan Christer Novsjø performed ”My way”. Jensen Choong, upon receiving the award, gave a moving speech about his ascension to success, from an orphan, factory worker, to a successful FinTech Entrepreneur. Jensen Choong also accentuated the importance of giving back and took a pledge to continue his fight to help the needy via MIA Foundation. Two tables of Malaysia and Chinese supporters joined the glamorous gala. Guests dined on a Michelin Star, 4 course dinner straight out of the kitchen of Mr Alain Ducasse’s celebrated Louis XV restaurant. Mr Louis Saha, International Football Player from Manchester United, cheered on Mr. Saddiqi with an additional group soccer players present. Norvegian Tenor Johann Christer Novsjø, who performed Caruso and Nella Fantasia opened the show, with intermittent performances that covered all genres, including Coldplay’s Sky full of Stars. Precious Wilson of Eruption (70’s, 80’s hits) performed her famed songs, I can’t stand the rain, Hold on, I’m Coming, followed by a DJ set of dancing till 1 am, a real privilege, as the Hotel de Paris will rarely allow dancing past midnight.
Some images from the past editions of the Better World Awards, in MC and NY
The recipients of The Better world Awards were :
• Jensen Choong, Global Humanitarian Award.
• Kash Siddiqi, Humanitarian Athlete Award, who talked about prejudices in our world and how through football camps and bringing different cultures together, a new more peaceful future can be foreseen.
• Timothy Hentschel, Humanitarian Business Entrepreneur Award for his work with helping charities through his Hotelplanner.com
• Christopher Broughton, Producer, writer and director, who delivered a speech about love and souls aligning to create a movement of peace and progress towards a better world. Broughton, son of Gladys Knight, received a standing ovation from colleagues in Hollywood, for his spiritual message which resonated with a message that with God’s love and understanding, all prejudices can be dissolved.
• Renée Willett, Humanitarian Actress Award. The darling actress and comedian, originally from Long Island was accompanied by her sister, brother and Mom and Dad. Renee has become instrumental in helping several Israeli based charities and worked tirelessly next to American comedian, Jay Leno when he emceed a Telethon, raising millions of dollars for Israel. Renee will be seen in an upcoming film The Comedian with Robert DeNiro and Danny De Vito. The Long Island native appeared in the 2017 Jennifer Aniston film The Yellow Birds.
Country representatives included Malaysia, Russia, UK, USA, Canada. South Korea was represented by Dr Jaegu Kang, from YUMA Stem Cell clinic, and Ukraine was represented by Miss Universe 2018 Ukraine. Italy, represented by Mr Cristiano Gallo, Ambassador of Italy to Monaco, Francesco Mitrano, President of the Monte-Carlo Polo Club, Mr and Mrs Cusmano from Milan, and Mr and Mrs Spinelli. Salma Ould represented Morocco. Leon and Lisa Willet, Bastien Habb, Verun Lele, Bruno Torre, Amir Noferesti from Iran, George Edde, America and Lebanon, Mr Denny Haryano, one of the most influential businessmen in Indonesia and Asia was in the gracefu presence of Mrs. Helga Piaget. France was represented by Dr Joel Levy, and Dr Olivier Louisgrand. Mrs Linda Ball of Asteria Jewells, and Alan Waxman, were representing the UK with both Sara Vine and Kash Siddiqi and wife Emily Siddiqi. Canada was represented by Mr Matt Cardignan.
Honoured guests included :
• Mr Louis Saha, Manchester United Football Player.
• Mr George Edde, Keller Edde Studios and Film Producer.
• Mrs Sonia Cole, Afghanistan /American,Filmmaker and women’s rights activist who showed her new clip of her film I am you. She is one of the few female filmmakers who was accepted in the Venice Film Festival, 2019. Cole was the nominee for Best Foreign Film Category for her film, The Black Tulip.
• Mr Ricardo Viales, Film Producer, from NYC.
Credits Photos: © Rick Kern