Caudwell Children raises over one million euros for disabled children at the 10th Butterfly Ball Monaco.

At the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the British foundation Caudwell Children celebrated the tenth anniversary of its Monegasque charity gala, bringing together patrons and artists around a cause dedicated to children with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions.

The 10th anniversary of the Butterfly Ball Monaco raised €1,015,600 for children living with a disability or neurodivergence. The event, supported by yacht specialist Burgess, took place yesterday, Thursday, October 24, at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. The gala marks a decade of humanitarian commitment driven by Caudwell Children, a foundation created in 2000 by the British entrepreneur John Caudwell.

This event, now well established in the Monegasque philanthropic calendar, was founded by Modesta Vžesniauskaitė, partner of John Caudwell. She remains at the heart of the organization today, ensuring the preservation of the original vision of this evening which draws a crowd of influential guests each year.
“When I founded the Butterfly Ball Monaco ten years ago, I dreamed of creating something truly magical — an evening that reflects the beauty and elegance of Monaco, but above all, allows us to raise essential funds for children who need our help the most. Over the decade, the gala has grown to a magnitude I could never have imagined, and I am extremely proud of the exceptional community we have built,” she stated.

An evening marked by diversity and commitment

The evening was co-hosted by Nicolas Hamilton, a British racing driver and advocate for people with disabilities, and by Neev Spencer, a renowned DJ and presenter. Together, they gathered an audience around a message of diversity and inclusion. “I am deeply honored and grateful to have co-hosted the Butterfly Ball. Caudwell Children is an extraordinary foundation that I have supported many times, notably at the event organized in London at the Dorchester. The association helps a great number of disabled or neurodivergent children. Disability and autism touch me personally: I live with cerebral palsy and my partner is autistic. It’s a cause that is particularly close to my heart,” shared Nicolas Hamilton.

Neev Spencer expressed similar emotion: “A simply magical evening in Monaco. Thank you to Caudwell Children for trusting me to host the Butterfly Ball Monaco — it was a true honor. This foundation and everything it represents mean a lot to me, especially through the experience of my younger brother with a disability.”

Under the artistic direction of Billy Folchetti, invited as the Guest Creative Director, the staging combined elegance and creativity. Guests enjoyed performances by Anastasian, the Troubadours, and DJ Filippo, in an atmosphere marked by moments of generosity and sharing. The famous auction of the Butterfly Ball offered lots such as stays on superyachts or a VIP racing experience with driver Sébastien Buemi.
Auctioneer Charlie Ross, known for his international sales, hosted this segment, contributing to raising over one million euros.

A commitment that continues in the UK

The foundation Caudwell Children has supported children with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions and their families across the UK for 25 years. It emphasizes individualized support, both practical and emotional, developed in close collaboration with the beneficiaries.
General Director Claire Marshall underscores the importance of this work: “We have developed a strong and inspiring identity that embodies the potential of all the children we support, and have defined a five-year strategy to support even more families. The Butterfly Ball holds a very special place in our hearts: it has raised several million to support disabled and autistic children across the UK. I have witnessed firsthand the tangible impact of these funds, and it is truly heartwarming to see.”

Over the years, Caudwell Children galas have raised more than £30 million, supporting thousands of children. Founder John Caudwell insists on the magnitude of this commitment: “I am extremely proud that over the past decade, the Butterfly Ball has raised several million pounds and improved the lives of thousands of young people. The event has grown in scope and ambition, but most importantly, it has transformed the lives of children across the UK. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved — together, we are helping to build a world where every disabled or autistic child has the chance to shine.”

Created in 2007, the Butterfly Ball takes its name from the foundation’s iconic butterfly, envisioned by Tilly Griffiths, a former beneficiary. She compared her journey to the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a symbol of transformation and hope. Since then, the gala has become a meeting place for philanthropists, artists, and patrons sharing a common desire: to give every child the opportunity to “spread their wings.”

In ten years, the Butterfly Ball Monaco has established itself as an event where generosity and solidarity come together to support a universal cause in Monaco. Behind the lights and speeches, the message remains clear: to enable every child, regardless of their disability, to express their potential and find their place.