The auction of Christmas trees in support of children from the Lenval Foundation was a success. Last night, in the usual press conference room at Allianz Riviera, over a hundred people came to bid. As a result, more than €90,000 was raised.
A successful bet for Benjamin Mondou and OGC Nice! The sale of the 20 trees resulted in €92,000 for the Lenval Foundation’s children. “It’s a magical evening!” exclaimed Benjamin Mondou, the event’s initiator. “€92,000 is a great success, a great pride. Seeing that even in times of crisis, people turn out and are willing to mobilize for the children is remarkable.” Over a hundred people filled the traditional press conference room at Allianz Riviera, transformed for the occasion into an auction hall.
Armed with a paddle, the buyers spared no expense for the children. “It’s for a good cause. When you think of the children, it’s effortless. It’s normal to help them. I already have two trees from last year, and tonight I’m leaving with two more, but it’s for a worthy cause,” highlighted Valérie Munch, who was the most active bidder. The buyers didn’t hesitate to spend extravagant sums for the Lenval Foundation. One tree even fetched €21,000, which is 63% of the total amount raised last year during the first edition. “It’s a great evening for us. We must thank Benjamin Mondou for the initiative as well as the artists, the OGC Nice Endowment Fund, and also the buyers. Thanks to the donations, we can invest in equipment for the children’s rooms. We can also develop therapeutic activities and invest in clinical research,” explained Arnaud Pouillart, General Director of the Lenval Foundation.
“We are delighted”
Among the 20 trees presented, one was particularly awaited—the one from OGC Nice. Colored in red and black, the players from the Gym even signed the tree. Additionally, the two patrons of the event made their contributions. Goalkeeper Walter Benitez “stuck” his gloves on, and captain Dante left his boots as a souvenir. It was a success. Supporters of the Azurean club came especially to acquire this tree. However, they surely did not expect the president, Jean-Pierre Rivère, to outbid for the Lenval Foundation and then decide to gift this masterpiece to the supporters. A gesture of great class greeted by hearty applause.
The Gym didn’t just auction a tree. Indeed, the club decided to use its Endowment Fund to help promote this event. Another success. “I didn’t think we’d reach this amount (€92,000). I am very happy because the cause is wonderful; it’s for sick children, so it’s beautiful. That’s also what OGC Nice is about, it’s our role, our action, and I’m very proud of such an action,” revealed Jean-Pierre Rivère, president of OGC Nice.
In common parlance, it is often said that hope has no price. But last night, for the children of the Lenval Foundation, hope had a price: €92,000.
Pierre Ferrand
