The Mimosa Ball in Aid of Cancer Charity

It’s a sad fact that everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer but not many of us go to the lengths that eight ex-pats have done to kick this disease into touch.

Their collective desire to raise funds for La Ligue Contre le Cancer, a national charity which offers free guidance, support and counselling to cancer sufferers and their families, resulted last year in the birth of The Mimosa Ball.

A glittering black tie gala evening at the Royal Mougins Golf Club, the dinner dance featured an auction, live music and a disco and raised in excess of €40,000, one of the highest single donations ever made to La Ligue, which is entirely funded through the generosity of others.

The second ball is looming in just over a month, on Friday April 17^th, and promises to be even bigger and better, giving a much needed fundraising push to the opening of a new cancer centre in Antibes, following the success of La Ligue’s first Alpes Maritimes branch in Nice.

Committee member Ellie Goblet d’Alviella, whose brother Charlie is battling pancreatic cancer, explained: ‘The eight of us came together as we have all experienced the pain of seeing friends and family suffer with cancer. We wanted to give something back and raise money for a charity that makes a difference on the Cote d’Azur where we live.

‘We chose La Ligue Contre le Cancer, which specifically supports those affected by cancer as well as funding research. Vitally, they have les Espaces Ligue, which provide counselling, support, alternative therapies and other services for patients and their families. All funds from last year and this year will go towards the creation of a new Espace Ligue in Antibes, which is due to open later this year.

‘We chose the name Mimosa because it represents the first step towards spring, rejuvenation and renewal, and somehow that felt very apt. Last year’s event was such a success that we wanted to build on that and create something truly amazing again and hopefully beat last year’s figure.’

As with last year, the night will again be held at the Royal Mougins Golf Club and will once again feature an auction, this year chaired by an auctioneer from Christies in Monaco, a live performance from the acoustic duo Lizzy and the Gentlemen and a DJ set by Thomas Dusseune, who are all donating their time for free.

In addition, there will be a silent auction, tombola and some phenomenal once-in-a-lifetime prizes up for grabs. Last year’s gala offered guests the chance to bid for a behind the scenes stay at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya as well as VIP tickets to watch Chelsea FC and a signed golf bag donated by Rory McIlroy.

La Ligue was established in 1918 and now boasts over 700,000 members and 13,500 volunteers who work alongside 350 employees nationwide.

Cancer is the number one cause of death in France with over 370,000 people diagnosed every year but around 60% of patients are cured and La Ligue is continuing to push that survival rate higher.

The Mimosa Committee is still looking for local businesses based in Monaco and the Cote d’Azur which are keen to sponsor a prize or support the ball in some way.

So far, Currencies Direct, Blue Square, Chapoutier Wines and Confiserie Florian have pledged their sponsorship and fellow Mimosa committee member Juliette Clarkin adds: ‘There are some great opportunities. We can offer high visibility for company logos and brand awareness on the programme and on the evening itself as well as through our Facebook page Mimosa Matters.’

There are still a few tables left for the event. Tables seat a maximum of 12 and cost €1600. For further information regarding sponsorship or ticket availability, please contact Mimosa Matters via Facebook or send an email to mimosaball@gmail.com.