On Tuesday, the auction of the wooden Christmas trees created by 20 artists from Nice allowed 92,000€ to be raised for the children of the Fondation Lenval.

Created in 2017 by Benjamin Mondou, the Managing Director of Nice based business Century 21 – Lafage Transactions, the project throughly moved the OGC Nice Endowment Fund, which in turn wanted to support the project this year.

So, with just a couple of weeks left until Christmas, it was at the Aiglons’ home that the artists and buyers came together on Tuesday. Taking their places in the Press Room, in front of them, 20 trees that had been “customised” by the hands of Moya, Klein, SAB, or even Bosio, the participants then delivered the most beautiful of battles. 

“It’s like tennis” joked the auctioneer, as the buyers passed the ball between themselves to drive up the price. With, 20 trees sold and the proceeds going to children in hospital.

The record tripled!

Well assisted by Jean-Pierre Rivère and also by the supporters of the event, Dante and Walter Benitez - who were answering the calls from phone bidders - the auctioneer set the scene: “we need to beat the 30,000€ raised last year.” That target was achieved after the fifth lot. 

It must be said that the trees which had been created with as much heart as talent by the Nice based artists, had an inestimable value. In total, this was deemed to be 92,000€, raised for hospitalised children. A lovely present for the Fondation Lenval, which celebrates its 130th anniversary this year.

F.H.

*Not able to attend, the patron, Michèle Laroque, sent a video message to the participants at the start of the auction.

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