The Spanish opera singer José Carreras collected donations of more than 3.4 million euros for his leukemia foundation at the 31st edition of the gala. "I bow to our donors for this generous and sustained support," said the 79-year-old at the gala in Leipzig. The fundraising event in Leipzig's Media City was broadcast on MDR on Wednesday evening.
National and international singers and songwriters such as Alvaro Soler, Beatrice Egli and Chris de Burgh performed in Leipzig and called on the audience to donate. Other celebrities such as entertainer Stefan Mross, fitness influencer Sophia Thiel and musician Joey Kelly collected money on the phones.
Carreras was diagnosed with leukemia in 1987. After being cured, the opera singer founded the José Carreras Leukemia Foundation, which has since raised around 250 million euros. The foundation supports scientific research, infrastructure and social projects. Last year's anniversary edition raised more than 3.5 million euros.
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