Bulgaria Sotheby's International Realty charity auction raised EUR 130,000 Euro in support of UNICEF's work in Bulgaria to protect children from violence

Sofia, 03 November – On 2 November 2026, the annual charity gala in support of UNICEF in Bulgaria was held at the National Library "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" in Sofia. As part of a tradition initiated by Bulgaria Sotheby's international Realty, the auction was led by Sotheby’s team from London, UK. 

The event is organized for the third consecutive year, and this time the cause that united over 220 guests around the cause of protecting children from violence. The funds raised from the charity auction will help UNICEF expand the scope of the model "Zona ZaKrila", Child advocacy and support center, which provides integrated support and protection to children and families, victims and witnesses of violence. 

"Every child deserves to grow up safe, protected and free from violence. Thanks to the generosity and solidarity shown by all guests, supporters, and donors, we will be able to reach more children and families through the "Zona ZaKrila" model. We sincerely thank Bulgaria Sotheby's International Realty and partners for organizing this event for the third consecutive year, which demonstrates the power of partnerships with the business, culture, government and civil society sectors for every child." 

— Mioh Nemoto, UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria 

The charity event is organized by Bulgaria Sotheby's International Realty on the initiative of Hristo Angelkov, managing partner in the company. 

"In our work, we often talk about value. About places with history. About homes filled with memories. About beauty that stands the test of time. But tonight, we ask a different question: what is the value of safety? What is the worth of a childhood free from fear? 

For a child, home is more than an address. It is the comfort of knowing that someone will be there to hold them when they are scared. That someone will listen. That they can look forward to tomorrow without being afraid of today. Although we work in a different sector, I believe we all understand the profound importance of having a place where one feels safe, protected, and accepted. That is why our partnership with UNICEF matters so much." 

– Hristo Angelkov, Managing Partner at Bulgaria Sotheby's International Realty 

The lots were donated by their authors and sponsors at the event in support of UNICEF and the chosen cause. Among the works were paintings by contemporary Bulgarian authors with international recognition, including Nedko Solakov and Teodor Ushev. The guests of the auction also bid for works by the authors: Agnes Stoyanova, Stoyan Zikov, MAR AYA, Pena Nikolova, Juliana Slavova, Boryana Petkova and Iskra Blagoeva, Tsvetelina Patroneva, Ivo Petrov, Yosif Radoev, Ivan Kyuranov, Lyudmil Georgiev and Yasen Ivanov. Exclusive experiences were also included in the auction, including: a special visit to Sotheby's Paris and London, invitations to a fashion show during Milan Fashion Week and participation in the official gala premiere during the Cannes Film Festival in 2027. 

Special guests of the event were also favorite Bulgarian performers and musicians such as: Mihaela Fileva, Orlin Pavlov, Orlin Goranov, Maria Slavova, Manal El Feturi and artists from the Balkanski Circus.  

More information about the "Zona ZaKrila" model can be found here. 

You can support UNICEF programs with regular monthly donations to www.dari.unicef.bg 

* UNICEF does not endorse or recommend specific brands, products or services.