“Love Ball Arabia was organised in support of one of the noblest purposes I can imagine: providing care and assistance to some of the most vulnerable people in our society—children with special needs.
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha welcomed a high-profile audience from around the world at the Love Ball Arabia, held as part of the partnerships established during the Qatar Russia 2018 Year of Culture in support of Naked Heart Foundation, helping children with special needs and Al Shafallah centre for persons with disability.
The fundraiser was held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Natalia Vodianova, in partnership with Qatar Museums.
The charity gala managed to raise $7.4 million for both Naked Heart Foundation and Al Shafallah, thanks to generous and enthusiastic supporters including Alessandra Ambrosio, Anna Brewster, Antoine Arnault, Carine Roitfeld, Cindy Bruna, Darren Criss, Diane von Furstenberg, Elizabeth Chambers, Hailee Steinfeld, Hamish Bowles. Hans Ulrich Obrist, Iman Bowie, Imaan Hammam, Izabel Goulart, Jourdan Dunn, Maria Borges, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Olivier Rousteing, Olivia Palermo, Sasha Luss, Sofia Sanchez de Betak and Stephen Jones.
All proceeds will benefit the work of Al Shafallah Centre and Naked Heart Foundation, and will go towards developing professional support services for families of children with mental, physical and sensory disabilities, as well as enhancing advocacy campaigns in both Russia and Qatar.
The Love Ball Arabia was itself evidence of the work of the two charities in advocating for a fully inclusive society that connects the world of people with mental disabilities with that of those typically developed. Many of the performers, contributors and artists of this evening’s event are themselves people with special needs and the Gala highlighted how these two worlds can enrich and influence each other.
