Hear the World Charity Gala: CHF 375,000 for children with hearing loss

The aim was to collect donations to provide audiological care to as many children in need with hearing loss as possible. The result of the gala is spectacular: over 300 guests, patrons, and sponsors donated a total of over CHF 375,000. The majority of the donated amount was generated by the auction of unique experiences by auctioneer Cyril Koller from the auction house of the same name.

“All proceeds from the gala go to the Hear the World Foundation’s project work. The donations mean that we can provide audiological care to some 1,900 disadvantaged children with hearing loss around the world, allowing them to hear and speak. On behalf of these children, I would like to say thank you to everybody who contributed to this great result,” says Lukas Braunschweiler, CEO of Sonova and President of the Hear the World Foundation.

The highlight of the evening was the exclusive concert by Bryan Adams. Adams has worked as an ambassador for the Hear the World Foundation on a voluntary basis for over ten years and honored the foundation with an exclusive pro bono concert at the gala. Swiss musician Marc Sway now also supports the foundation and told gala guests about his visit to one of the Hear the World Foundation’s projects in Brazil. Pepe Lienhard and his orchestra also provided great entertainment. Presenter Sven Epiney guided guests through the evening.

The Hear the World Foundation is a recognized Swiss foundation and member of Swiss Foundations. Being a corporate foundation of Sonova, all administrative costs are covered by Sonova, meaning all donations go into the project work. The event was organized by the Charity Gala Association. Over the course of a year, the organizing committee acquired sponsors on a voluntary basis so that all of the gala’s costs could be covered and a unique event could be held for the Hear the World Foundation, helping to provide support for disadvantaged children.

32 million children across the world are affected by disabling hearing loss, most of them do not have access to hearing solutions, and as a result they cannot learn to speak, do not have access to education, and therefore have hardly any chance of leading an independent life.