Bulgaria Sotheby’s International Realty Charity Auction Raises over 200,000 BGN in Support of UNICEF’s Work for Children with Disabilities and Developmental Difficulties

Sofia, October 29 – On October 27, a charity event and auction for UNICEF Bulgaria led by a team from Sotheby's London auction house was held at the “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” National Library in Sofia.

The event was organized for the second consecutive year, and this time the cause that brought together over 250 guests, was UNICEF's "Together from the Beginning" programme, which provides Early Childhood Intervention for families with children with disabilities and developmental difficulties. The funds raised from the auction will be used to expand the scope of the programme in three new municipalities in Bulgaria. 

UNICEF's "Together from the Beginning" programme is not just a service, but a community of professionals, parents, and people with big hearts who believe that no family should have to face difficulties alone. We are grateful to the organizers from Bulgaria Sotheby's International Realty and to all participants and guests at the gala auction, as well as all our donors and partners, for joining us in reaching out to families of children with developmental difficulties." 

 —  Christina de Bruin, UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria 

The charity event was organized by the representative office in Bulgaria of the Sotheby’s International Realty, based on an idea by Hristo Angelkov, managing partner of the company.

"This evening brought us together with art, music, and inspiration—with works and experiences that proved that beauty has the power to change lives.
I believe that each of you has found your own way to be part of this change – through a gesture, through support, through empathy.
And let us, with joint efforts, turn this evening not just into a memory of a charity initiative, but into the beginning of a tradition – a tradition of kindness, generosity and humanity that unites us." 

– Hristo Angelkov, managing partner at Bulgaria Sotheby’s International Realty.

The auctioned artworks and experiences were donated by their creators in support of UNICEF and the cause of the event. Among the artists were contemporary Bulgarian and international artists such as: Francesco Macapani Missoni, MIKA SAV and Miryana Todorova, whose works were sold for the highest price; also NIKYOTO & KONSTANTIN; Vanya Dudolenska; Sara Albert; Georgi Andonov and Gencho Nakev. Photographer Kostadin Krastev – Koko also donated a special family photo session.

The host of the event National Library “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” donated a special edition of Ivan Vazov’s bulgarian classical novel “Pod igoto”. Guests at the auction also bid on experiences, including a visit to Sotheby's auction house in London, a tasting at a French winery, and an exciting experience on the track with a world-famous car brand.

Special guests at the event included beloved Bulgarian performers and musicians such as UNICEF National Ambassador in Bulgaria Elena Petrova, Maria Ilieva, Orlin Pavlov, Lyubo Kirov, and Zhivko Petrov and Flawless Trio.

 More information about the programme “Together from the begining” is available here. 

You can support the UNICEF programme “Together from the Beginning” by becoming a monthly pledge donor at www.dari.unicef.bg. 

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