HOPE Gala Dresden: Record donations and great emotions at the Schauspielhaus

Artists with heart: from Cassandra Steen to Dagmar Frederic

The stage program ranged from soul to classical music to artistry. Cassandra Steen impressed with her warm voice, while Sydney Youngblood created a great atmosphere with hits from the 80s. Stefanie Hertel, husband Lanny Lanner and daughter Johanna Mross (as the band More Than Words) delighted the audience with their harmonious vocals. The performance of Dagmar Frederic, who at 80 years of age stepped in at short notice and moved the audience to a standing ovation with her voice, was particularly moving.

HOPE Award to Reiner Meutsch

Another highlight: the presentation of the 15th HOPE Award. It went to Reiner Meutsch, founder of the FLY & HELP foundation. The laudatory speech was held by singer and presenter Stefanie Hertel. The award honors people who are particularly committed to Africa - in line with previous award winners such as Waris Dirie, Rita Süßmuth and Bob Geldof.

Looking ahead

The guests then celebrated exuberantly at the after-show party in the Schauspielhaus. And the date for the next HOPE gala has already been set: October 10, 2026. The gala impressively demonstrates how much hope and concrete help can be brought to South Africa from Dresden - and that individual gestures, such as the large donation from Benjamin Bieneck, can shape an entire event.

In order to be able to continue the important work of HOPE Cape Town in the future, Viola Klein and Stefan Hippler initiated a strategy process to make the project more financially independent by 2030.