188,422. Just a number, but one with real impact: 188,422 euros is the total amount raised at this year’s HOPE Gala. Raised in a single evening with a lasting impact. That’s because every cent goes to the organization HOPE Cape Town, which for 25 years has been providing healthcare, support, and—above all—education to children and young people in the townships around Cape Town. Pastor Stefan Hippler, who founded the project in 2001, found a dedicated supporter of the idea in Dresden in the form of the dynamic entrepreneur Viola Klein—yesterday’s HOPE Gala was already the 18th, and in total, more than 3.1 million euros have been donated to HOPE Cape Town since the first benefit event in 2006. That’s no small feat, especially since even small amounts can make a difference: “With just ten euros, we can provide a elementary school child with writing supplies—whether colored pencils or notebooks—for three months. For 100 euros, a student in a tutoring program receives a hot meal after school for six months,” explains Viola Klein.
The first part of the gala at the Dresden Staatsschauspiel brought a colorful mix of artists to the stage—the fact that they all performed without pay (as did the many helping hands both on and off stage) is part of the event’s identity and part of its success. Of course, it was the big names who stole the show: Dirk Michaelis, alone at the piano, reminded the audience of his classic “Als ich fortging,” while Jan Josef Liefers enjoyed his home game (he was born in Dresden) with the band Radio Doria. During the band’s solo, he invited the celebrities in the front row to dance (that would certainly have had a longer-lasting effect in the Rhineland, because once Liefers let go of them, those invited quickly sat back down…). The encore featuring surprise guest Anna Loos brought not only two great voices but also two crime novel heroes together on stage—and a long-married couple.
Kathy Kelly tried her hand at performing Baroque music for the first time. But Dresden, a city of art and culture, certainly doesn’t need to hide behind big names: The “Youth of HOPE” choir from the Goldenes Lamm Music School in Dresden won over the parents’ hearts, whether performing alone (“African Dreams” was the perfect way to set the mood for the evening, with impressive images on the screen behind the choir) or as accompanists. Bjarne, the 13-year-old rising star from *Voice of Germany*, benefited from this, while Dirk Michaelis joined the choir in singing the 77-year-old—and sadly still relevant—children’s song “Kleine weiße Friedenstraube.” Kathy Kelly had also teamed up with Dresdner Musici: the Baroque ensemble Camerata Musikuss, reinforced by Milko Kersten, plays on historical instruments (or their replicas) and follows historical performance practice—but with their joy of playing, they perfectly bridge the Baroque musical tradition to the present day.
Ruth Moschner and Benjamin Bieneck not only introduced the artists but also hosted the inspiring informational segments about what HOPE has already achieved in South Africa and what it still plans to do—always with deliberately unmistakable reminders: this takes money! The (perhaps somewhat excessive) number of interviews and videos featuring sponsors is simply part of the business, after all—as the old marketing adage goes: Do good and talk about it. This year marked the 16th time the HOPE Award has been presented. The women’s and human rights organization SOLWODI—“Solidarity for Women in Distress”—can not only rejoice in the attention the prize brings but will certainly put the €5,000 prize money to good use.
The second part of the evening was devoted to enjoyment and conversation. So to speak: eat and drink well, and keep giving. And enjoy life without forgetting those whom life hasn’t treated so kindly. It was also nice to make plans for the next—the 19th, already!—HOPE Gala: it will take place on October 30, 2027.
