European Brain Foundation’s first milestone event: Fundraising Gala Dinner “Healthy Brains – A Key to Future Generations” – Brain Awareness Week 2023
The European Brain Foundation (EBF) was honoured to hold its first Fundraising Gala Dinner, in the context of the Brain Awareness Week 2023, on 16 March! This was also a nod to the EBF’s core mission and goal to serve society and support those affected by brain disorders. The carefully selected theme showcased the great purpose we all must make to ensure that children, teenagers and adolescents – our future generations – are provided with the best tools and care to protect their brain health.
The evening brought together the wider brain community in an intimate setting in heart of Brussels. The Gala Dinner began with opening address of the EBF Chair, Prof. Patrice Boyer, who highlighted the importance of brain research and brain community. Afterwards, guests were invited to the ballroom where on the tables there was a spoon – a token of their presence. This spoon was individually designed and was meant to spread the word about the “spoon theory”, and to stress that not all of us have an infinite number of spoons to get through the day as each of us is unique and experiences life differently. EBF Executive Director, moderator and host of the evening Frédéric Destrebecq introduced the keynote speaker, an award-winning writer Dr. Sabina Brennan. In her speech, she reminded guests to take care of their brain health as routinely as they brush their teeth and… to smile, at least five times per day!
Before the panel conversation took place, Gala Dinner guests were introduced to the EBF Patron – the Olympic Gold Medallist and goalkeeper of the Belgian Hockey Team, Red Lions – Vincent Vanasch. Additionally, MEP Juozas Olekas shared the video message with our audience where he highlighted the importance of education, research and health care.
Following the announcements, high-level panellists were welcomed on stage: Director of the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Prof. Dr. Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg; Principal Scientific Adviser at the European Commission, Dr. Andrzej Ryś and Dr. Megan Carey, Group Leader in the Neuroscience Program at the Champalimaud Center in Lisbon. “Science is magic explained” – this sentence reflects the conversation and important timing and need for the work the EBF aims to achieve. Neuroscience is vital to understand our most precious organ and to improve lives of those living with a brain condition.
The concluding address was made by the EBF Vice-Chair, Ms Audrey Craven, who thanked all for the support of this first successful Fundraising Gala Dinner. The evening finished with draw of the raffle prize winners and musical performance by Alienor and Malik from AvaStreet.
The Gala Dinner would have not been possible without support and contribution of its Platinum Sponsors: KBC and Pfizer, in-kind contributors: Steigenberger Wiltcher’s Brussels, DePloy London, Visit Brussels, Sabina Brennan and Vincent Vanasch, and wonderful guests. Thank you to all the supporters and we shall all join forces Together for Brain Health!
