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Michael
Flatley's Benefit Performance in Monte Carlo On Friday, August
8th, the Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley came out of retirement for a
"one-off" show to benefit the Red Cross of Monaco, a very worthy
cause indeed. The annual ball of the Red Cross takes place each August at the
Monte Carlo Sporting Club, and is a highlight of the Monegasque social
calendar. Hosted by the Grimaldi Royal Family, the gala's attendees are a Who's
Who of aristocrats and millionaires, wearing sparkling jewels usually stored
away in vaults, and top-name designer clothing. The 800 "Glitterati,"
arriving in Ferraris and Lamborghinis, paid 1000 Euros for their dinner - not
including beverages. The star-studded audience was treated to a special one-hour
performance by Michael and some of the best of his dancers, and the performance
was followed by the roof of the Salle
des Etoiles opening up for a spectacular fireworks display, an explosion of
colors and sparkles illuminating the night sky above this tiny Principality. His
Serene Highness Prince Albert presented Michael with a medal given to special
guests, a kind of VIP award, created in 1997 for the celebration of the 700 years
of the Grimaldi Dynasty. Another triumphant event in Michael Flatley's life. It
wasn't so many years ago that the young Michael was digging ditches for his father's
plumbing business in Chicago, and his story inspires many to "Follow Your
Dreams." However, not everyone dreams about material success, and many people
in the world just dream about having the basic necessities of life. That's why
organizations such as the Red Cross are so important, and why gala events such
as the Red Cross Ball do so much to help those in need. Friday night's event raised
millions for the Monaco Red Cross, in this, its 55th year. Prince
Albert is the President of the La
Croix Rouge Monégasque, and their official site is at www.croix-rouge.mc,
where you can read about their goals and activities. He writes: "If you did
not know our society before, you will realize that in spite of our small size
- like the Principality's - we are active in every field (health, first aid, social
help) and in many countries. Our site will enlighten you about our national and
international activities. Feel free to surf on this new link in the humanitarian
solidarity chain, and may this means of communication incite you to join our movement
or share its ideal..."
Some of the funds raised by the Red Cross
Gala go to the following, according to the website: "...besides the everyday
activities, numerous special actions are carried out to help people in need, such
as payments of long term medical treatments, surgery operations, scholarships,
aid to the disabled, etc. The Monaco Red Cross helps individuals or families who
come up against temporary difficulties by giving food vouchers, clothes, paying
rents, boards, school fees, etc. Special action days for elderly people are organised
for Christmas and National Day." The
Monaco Red Cross is part of the international organization, with these fundamental
principles: "The International Red Cross
and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without
discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international
and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may
be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for
the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and
lasting peace amongst all peoples." Kudos to all who support these
ideals, and to performers such as Michael Flatley and his troupe who were in Monte
Carlo raising funds to help the La Croix
Rouge Monegasque help others.
Feature: Bernadette
Price
Original Web Design: Alexander
Servas
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