After almost two weeks at sea, Les Voiles Blanches’ White Pirate made landfall in the Principality of Monaco earlier this month to collect the booty donated by the public over the summer. The two brimming treasure chests of toys and games have now been given to the children cared for by the Fondation Lenval.
Since 28th August, the White Pirate, portrayed by La Gazette’s Editor-in-Chief Georges-Olivier Kalifa, has been visiting ports up and down the Côte d’Azur in a bid to raise awareness of the plight of the children looked after by the Fondation Lenval.
He was also tasked with collecting the many hundreds of toys and games gifted to the foundation by members of the public, which were duly shared out among the young patients in hospital on 9th September.
One of the two treasure chests of toys and games that were donated to Les Voiles Blanches’ charity mission by members of the public in Monaco. Photo credit: Mairie de Monaco
The White Pirate arrived in Monaco on 7th September, following stops in ports between Cassis and Menton, and headed straight for the Mairie de Monaco to pick up the two treasure chests’ worth of goodies that had been dropped off in the Marché de la Condamine and the town hall lobby over the summer.
He was met there by Georges Marsan, Monaco’s long-serving mayor, who led the White Pirate to the booty and thanked him for his efforts in aid of the foundation.
The White Pirate (La Gazette’s Editor-in-Chief Georges-Olivier Kalifa) with Monaco Mayor Georges Marsan. Photo credit: Mairie de Monaco
“This year, the operation was a huge success,” shared a spokesperson for the Mairie de Monaco on social media. “Thank you all for your generosity!”
Founded in 1888, the Fondation Lenval provides healthcare and social services to children throughout the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Its flagship facility, Lenval Hospital in Nice, offers full paediatric care to children and mothers in the area.
The fourth “four hands” dinner of the 2024 Festival des Étoilés is just around the corner, and there are still a few seats left at the table.
On Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September, the Hôtel Hermitage will be hosting a dynamic collaboration featuring the talents of Yannick Alléno, the Executive Chef of the five-star establishment’s flagship restaurant, and American-Chinese Chef Richard Lee of San Francisco’s acclaimed Saison.
The pair will be working in symbiosis to produce an elegant set menu that highlights the visionary abilities of these two celebrated chefs. While they are both masters of cuisine, it is their shared drive to nurture and support young chefs that truly unites Alléno and Lee.
The two experiences will be held at Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, Alléno’s Michelin starred restaurant at the Hermitage. Tickets cost €650 per person, with drinks included in the price. To reserve a table for 14th or 15th September, click here.
This will be the final stage of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s Festival des Étoilés before the grand Closing Gala on 11th October at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
A seat at this culinary extravaganza, an event where the five titan chefs of Alain Ducasse, Emmanuel Pilon, Marcel Ravin, Yannick Alléno and Dominique Lory will come together to create a unique gastronomic experience for guests, costs €950 per person. Further details can be found here.
Being a part of AS Monaco Basketball as a VIP member or partner is not just about watching a game; it’s about immersing oneself in an exclusive experience that brings fans closer to the action and the stars they admire. For many, this journey into the heart of basketball is a blend of privilege, excitement, and unparalleled access to the inner workings of the sport.
One of the most exciting aspects of being a VIP at AS Monaco Basketball is the immersive nature of the courtside experience. “The most striking thing about being courtside is the immersive aspect,” says VIP member Arnaud Veron. “We really feel like we are on the court. We are so close to the players that we can almost touch them.”
This proximity to the players doesn’t just offer a better view of the game; it makes the audience feel as though they are part of the team, living each intense moment alongside the players.
The excitement of being so close to the action is palpable. “During crucial moments, when the intensity of the game rises, we can almost feel the pulse of the players and the tension on the court,” reveals Veron. “We are really on the same level. The entire stadium’s atmosphere flows down to us, and it’s really like being part of the team.”
As the VIP members explain, this immersive environment is what makes the courtside seats at AS Monaco Basketball truly special, turning each match into an unforgettable experience.
Tennis player Alexander Zverev at a Roca Team game
A VIP experience beyond the game
The VIP experience extends far beyond the court. It includes a range of exclusive perks that make it a valuable investment for both individuals and companies. “As a company, we can offer these seats to our teams, which is a great way to motivate and unify our staff,” explains Sofian Biouti, Marketing and Communication Director of TV Monaco. The access to players, pre-game lounges, and other exclusive events is not just about luxury; it’s about creating moments that inspire and connect.
One of the most cherished aspects of being a VIP member is the personal connections it facilitates. “Being a VIP subscriber allows you to participate in exclusive events, like the subscribers’ evening. Personally, I value the opportunity I had to bring my child, who got to talk to his favourite player, take a selfie, and more—these are priceless moments,” says Biouti, adding that these personal experiences are what make the VIP membership at AS Monaco Basketball not just a ticket to a game but a gateway to creating lasting memories.
The Roca Team are almost in touching distance, adding to the excitement of the fan experience
Networking and business opportunities
In addition to the immersive game-day experience, the VIP membership and partnerships at AS Monaco Basketball offer significant networking opportunities. The VIP lounges before and after the matches are buzzing with business discussions and new connections. “The networking aspect is very important, particularly through access to the lounges before and after the game, where we can establish connections with other companies present in the Principality or elsewhere, which also leads to business opportunities,” says Biouti.
This networking potential is one of the key benefits of being part of the AS Monaco Basketball family, creating a community that extends beyond the court and into the business world. “These special moments are very important in a partner-to-partner relationship. This is one of the essential strengths of this partnership: it also helps nourish and maintain other partnerships,” he adds.
Tennis world champion Novak Djokovic and Aleksej Fedoricsev, President of AS Monaco Basket
Supporting Monegasque sports on a global stage
For many, the partnership with AS Monaco Basketball is not just about business or entertainment; it’s about supporting and promoting Monegasque sports on a global scale. “Following and supporting Monegasque sports helps promote it worldwide,” emphasises Biouti. The pride of being associated with a team that is gaining international recognition adds another layer of value to the partnership.
As more people discover the unique appeal of AS Monaco Basketball, whether as a VIP member or a partner, the sense of community and connection continues to grow. For those involved, it’s more than just a game—it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger, something that resonates both on and off the court.
