On the evening of October 3rd, the inaugural Latin America Charity Ball brought a wave of cultural celebration and philanthropy to the Yacht Club de Monaco, raising €66,700 for a vital child protection project in Panama. The event, organized by MeConnect under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, attracted over 230 guests, including VIPs like the First Lady of Panama, Maricel Cohen de Mulino, and MeConnect’s president, Daniela Spanier. Together, they witnessed the seamless fusion of Latin American heritage and charitable action.
As attendees were welcomed into the soirée, they were immersed in a celebration of Panama’s rich cultural tapestry. Traditional Caribbean folkloric music filled the room, and a sustainable fashion show captivated onlookers, while top chefs such as Cuquita Arias de Calvo and Charlie Collins offered an array of Panamanian culinary delights. The evening wasn’t just about entertainment; it was a showcase of Panama’s vibrant identity. As First Lady Cohen de Mulino expressed her gratitude to the Principality, she highlighted the event’s broader cultural significance, stating, “I hope that, just as I have had the chance to experience your culture, you will also have the opportunity to discover the beauty of Panama.”
At its core, the Latin America Charity Ball was designed to do more than entertain—it sought to spark change. The funds raised will go towards a program that will empower parents and educators in Panama to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse, a problem that continues to devastate communities. Spearheaded by AMADE and Panama’s Ministry of Education, this initiative will provide training to over 1,000 parents and 200 teachers, directly impacting the safety of more than 6,000 children in three districts.
The night’s impact didn’t stop there. Guests were treated to heartfelt speeches and honoured key figures from the Panamanian arts and culture scene.
But it wasn’t all speeches and awards. The Latin America Charity Ball featured an eclectic mix of entertainment and artistry, with performances by Panamanian baritone Ricardo Velasquez and Cuban cellist Ana Carla Maza lighting up the night. The guests were transported into the heart of Latin America through music, dance, and fashion, each element carefully chosen to embody the spirit of giving that the evening represented.
MeConnect
In organizing this event, MeConnect continued its mission to build stronger ties between Monaco and Latin America, fostering partnerships that translate cultural exchanges into meaningful support for charitable causes. In the past, the organization has introduced the No Finish Line initiative to Bolivia, and future projects in Panama are already on the horizon. With each endeavor, MeConnect underscores its dedication to creating lasting impact for children and communities across Latin America.
The evening culminated in a spirited after-party, where guests danced and celebrated long into the night, knowing that their contributions were helping to shape a safer, brighter future for children in Panama. As the music played on, the message was clear: when culture and charity unite, extraordinary things happen.
2024 Panamanian Award Recipients
Artist Olga Sinclair, musician Ana Carla Maza and sculptor Ricardo Velasquez were each honoured with the Latin American Impact Award for their societal contributions on the night.
Twelve distinguished Panamanian figures were honoured in 2024 for their remarkable contributions to music, fashion, art, and gastronomy, each leaving a lasting impact in their respective fields.
In music, the recipients included Ormelis Cortez, a celebrated accordionist and professor; Yomira John, a talented musician and songwriter; and Mae Orisha, a French artist with deep ties to Panama, whose work aims to build cultural bridges between France and Panama.
In fashion, Sophie Breebart was recognized for her foundation, ‘Searching your Star,’ which is dedicated to preserving traditional costumes and cultural heritage. Rula Lakas received acclaim for her couture designs that incorporate the craftsmanship of Indigenous Guna women. Leticia and Anastasia Liakopulos, founders of the House of Clio, were honoured for revolutionizing Panama’s jewellery scene with designs infused with their Greek heritage.
In the art category, Olga Sinclair, known for organizing a record-breaking children’s art event to celebrate the Panama Canal’s centennial, and Carolina Alfonso, whose work is housed in collections like the Prince Albert II Foundation, were celebrated for their contributions to the visual arts.
In gastronomy, chef Charlie Collins and Cuquita Arias de Calvo were recognized for their culinary excellence, bringing the richness of Panamanian cuisine to the world stage.
The awards highlighted their contributions to society, emphasizing the role that art, music, and cultural expression can play in shaping a more compassionate world.
The Latin American Impact Award statuette was created by Monaco resident Brazilian artist Marcos Marin, whose design captures the essence of this formal recognition of excellence.
