Monaco Lights Up in Pink - photo Éric Mathon - Palais princier

Charity

Pink Ribbon Monaco Gala Shines a Light on Women’s Health

IARLA BYRNE15 September, 20264 Mins read99

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Monaco will turn pink on Saturday, 3 October, as Pink Ribbon Monaco brings together an ambitious day of fundraising, awareness and solidarity in support of women’s health and cancer research.

The centrepiece will be the Pink Ribbon Monaco Gala, held in the magnificent Salle Empire at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo under the Honorary Presidency of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco.

This year, however, the gala forms part of a much bigger day. The new Monaco Invitational golf tournament will take place at Royal Mougins Golf Club earlier in the day, while that evening some of Monaco’s most recognisable buildings will be illuminated in pink.

Together, the events will put the importance of prevention, early detection and research firmly in the spotlight as Breast Cancer Awareness Month gets underway.

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^{Courtesy Pink Ribbon Monaco on Instagram}

An elegant evening with a serious purpose

The historic Salle Empire provides an impressive setting for the Pink Ribbon Monaco Gala, bringing together supporters, philanthropists and guests for an evening that combines fine dining and entertainment with fundraising for an important cause.

Guests can expect a red-carpet arrival followed by a sumptuous meal created by the Hôtel de Paris’ chefs, together with live entertainment and a special artistic performance centred on themes of hope and resilience.

A charitable auction will be another highlight of the evening, with lots ranging from VIP experiences at the Monaco Grand Prix to works of art, design pieces and rare collectors’ items.

^{Courtesy Pink Ribbon Monaco}

A prize draw will offer further opportunities to support the charity, with prizes including stays at some of Monaco’s leading hotels as well as dining, spa and other exclusive experiences.

Beyond the glamour, however, the purpose of the evening remains clear: raising funds and awareness for women’s health and cancer research.

Supporting cancer research in Monaco

Funds raised through the gala will contribute to pioneering research into the detection of lobular breast cancer, led by Dr Florent Hugonnet with the support of the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG).

Invasive lobular carcinoma is an important area of research because its characteristics can make early detection particularly challenging. Supporting advances in screening and diagnosis is therefore a central part of Pink Ribbon Monaco’s current fundraising efforts.

The association places particular emphasis on supporting research carried out in the Principality while recognising that the benefits of medical progress can extend far beyond Monaco.

It is an approach that combines Pink Ribbon Monaco’s longstanding work in awareness and education with direct support for scientific research and improved detection strategies.

The Monaco Invitational takes to the fairways

This year also sees golf becoming part of Pink Ribbon Monaco’s October programme with the introduction of the Monaco Invitational on Saturday, 3 October.

Taking place at the Royal Mougins Golf Club, near Cannes, the tournament extends the day’s fundraising beyond the Principality and provides another way for supporters to become involved.

Pink Ribbon Invitational Golf tournament

^{Courtesy Pink Ribbon Monaco}

The event is being led by Cameron Avery and forms part of what Pink Ribbon Monaco describes as its biggest Golf & Gala programme to date.

Set amid the hills behind Cannes, Royal Mougins provides an appropriately prestigious setting for the tournament before attention turns back towards Monte-Carlo and the evening’s gala.

By introducing the golf event alongside its established fundraising activities, Pink Ribbon Monaco is also widening the opportunities for individuals, businesses and sponsors to support its work, while keeping the focus firmly on awareness, prevention and research.

Monaco turns pink

As evening falls, the message will become visible across the Principality as Monaco’s landmark buildings will be illuminated in pink. This is one of Pink Ribbon Monaco’s most recognisable initiatives, providing a striking visual reminder of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of early detection.

^{Photo © Éric Mathon – Palais princier}

This year again, the illuminations will coincide with the gala itself, giving guests in the Salle Empire a privileged view as Monaco turns pink around them.

More than simply a spectacular addition to the evening, the illuminations carry an important message. By transforming familiar buildings and public spaces, the initiative brings breast cancer awareness out into the heart of Monaco and encourages conversations about screening, prevention and women’s health.

This become a signature of the association’s work and a highly visible demonstration of solidarity with women affected by cancer and their families.

Sixteen years of awareness

Founded in 2011 by President Natasha Frost-Savio, Pink Ribbon Monaco was the first association in the region to consistently raise awareness about female cancers and mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Now in its sixteenth year, its work has expanded considerably, while education and early detection have remained at its core.

^{Courtesy Pink Ribbon Monaco}

Alongside the annual October illuminations and the gala, the association organises the Pink Ribbon Walk, which has become a familiar fixture on Monaco’s calendar each February, bringing together residents, families, businesses and supporters from across the region.

Pink Ribbon Monaco also works closely with the Princely Government, National Council, health authorities and the Princess Grace Hospital, while continuing to raise funds for research.

Its work is based on a straightforward but vital message: greater awareness and earlier detection can make a significant difference.

A day with a message

From the fairways of Royal Mougins to the grandeur of the Hôtel de Paris and the pink-lit buildings of Monaco, 3 October promises to be an important day for Pink Ribbon Monaco.

The golf tournament and gala provide opportunities to raise essential funds, but the illuminated Principality will ensure that the message reaches far beyond those attending either event.

For one evening, some of Monaco’s most familiar landmarks will become symbols of awareness, hope and solidarity – a reminder of the women and families affected by cancer and of the continuing importance of prevention, early detection and research.