RIYADH: On Wednesday the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, in partnership with the Ministry of Sport and CBX, hosted its annual gala dinner and charity auction in the diplomatic quarter’s Cultural Palace in Riyadh.
“We are appreciative of the support for the children and youth under our care,” said Prince Saud bin Abdul Aziz bin Farhan Al-Saud, Charitable Society of Autism Families (SAF) chairman.
“This collaboration with Formula E not only strengthens our objective but also sheds light on the subject of autism. It is an honor for everyone to take part in an event that unites our community,” he said.
The gala dinner raised $1.8 million for three charities including SAF, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Guests at the gala included world champion Formula E drivers, actors, philanthropists and businesspeople.
The gala dinner began with opening remarks from Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, and Carlo Boutagy, founder of CBX, Diriyah E-Prix’s official promoter and events production house.
Boutagy extended his thanks to stakeholders including the Ministry of Sport and Formula E.
“Tonight we are here for a cause, the cause of Prince Saud’s charity, the Society of Autism Families,” Boutagy said.
“Last year I stood here in front of you with a goal to raise $1 million. Thanks to all of you and your generosity we managed to raise $2 million, we doubled that,” he said.
Boutagy said that this year he hopes the gala auction and additional donations can raise $4 million for the three charities.
SAF cares for 5,000 families with Autism Spectrum Disorder with children of all ages across the Kingdom. It aims to improve autism services by launching high-quality and sustainable projects.
In a press statement following the auction, Boutagy said that he was always humbled by the generosity of those who not only bid for items but donated them.
“To raise more than $1.8 million is incredible and will go such a long way in supporting the good work of our three charities: SAF, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The gala dinner is a great way to kick off what will be an exciting weekend of electric racing,” he said.
Following the dinner, the auction began with multiple lots presented and led by British auctioneer, Jonny Gould.
The auction included one-of-a-kind art, and memorabilia pieces such as Puma running spikes signed by Usain Bolt.
The first auction item to sell was a signed Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr FC football shirt, which went for $120,000.
Among the auction items was a Dior pearl chocker necklace worn by Princess Charlene of Monaco as well as a painting titled “Al-Kabbah Al-Musharrafa,” which sold for $260,000.
Attending the gala was Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody who presented a painting of his own, titled “Big Heart,” which sold for $275,000.
Brody then presented the painting to the highest bidder.
Some of the other auction items included the chance to drive the Formula E GEN3 car around the Diriyah circuit.
The entertainment activities at the gala included a close-up and interactive magic show that involved the participation of all guests.
The evening came to a close with the last item of the auction being sold and a book-signing opportunity with American portrait photographer Bobby Sager, the man behind “Diriyah: Face to Face.”
The Formula E race is set to take place from Jan. 26-Jan. 27 in Diriyah.
