C.M.C.L Cyprus Marine Club Limited  proudly hosted its first Charity Gala, at Four Seasons  Hotel marking a significant milestone for the Club and bringing together members of the maritime community, partners, and distinguished guests in an inspiring black-tie evening dedicated to giving back.

More than 200 guests enjoyed a luxurious six-course dinner in an atmosphere of elegance and unity, as the Gala was officially opened with heartfelt welcome dialogue by the CMC President, Capt. Eberhard Koch, and the General Manager, Julia Paczkowska, who set the tone for a night of “elegance, generosity, and impact.” Reflecting on the year behind and the journey ahead, the hosts highlighted the resilience of the shipping industry and the strength of the Club, emphasising that while steel may build ships, “people give direction.”

The Club was deeply honored by the presence of H.E. Ms Marina Hadjimanoli, Shipping Deputy Minister to the President, who addressed guests with warm and inspiring remarks. The Minister acknowledged the Cyprus Marine Club’s important role in fostering Cyprus shipping and strengthening unity across the maritime community, while reaffirming her unwavering and tireless support for the Club and the wider industry.

The evening featured a charity raffle and a unique artist-led charity auction, transforming creativity into generosity and reinforcing the message that “where love leads, lives change.” The participating artists personally presented and auctioned their works, adding a powerful and personal dimension to the fundraising efforts.

Following the auction, the Club extends heartfelt thanks to all artists and contributors who generously donated their work. Warm thanks go to Anna Vourgos (Aphentrica)  for her Talking Mirror titled “Love Is a Butterfly”, which was successfully bid by Inglasco (Chris Giljam).

The Club also thanks Haris Papadema of Steamship Mutual for her abstract painting Summer, which was successfully bid by EPSCO (Mr. Andreas Ioannou), and her second abstract painting Spring, which was acquired by Safebulkers (|Mr. Polys V.  Hajioannou)

Special thanks also go to Petros Monogios (Lemissoler)  and Joanna Monogiou (OL Shipping)  for generously donating Penny Monogiou’s drawing (limited edition Giclee print on fine art paper), which was successfully acquired by Inglasco (Chris Giljam)

Warm appreciation is extended to Pivotal Step (represented during the auction by Andreas Chrysostomou) for commissioning the painting by Cypriot Artist, Andreas Pavlides, which was successfully bid by UW Group (Vangelis Tsangarides) UW Group (Sofronis Christodoulou) placed the winning bid for the Tiffany gold bracelet donated by the CMC President Capt. E. Koch.

A particularly touching moment of the evening was the presence of representatives from Little Heroes Foundation, the charity supported by this year’s Gala. In a heartfelt address, Ms. Betty Antoniadou, President of the Foundation, together with Ms. Stella Potamiti, President Limassol District, thanked the entire maritime community for standing together and “looking after its own industry,” while supporting children and families whose lives have been deeply affected by cancer.

United as one maritime community, CMC members and guests raised EUR 14,970 through direct donations, a charity raffle, and the artist-led auction. In addition, the Cyprus Marine Club proudly donated a further EUR 5,000, bringing the total amount raised throughout the evening to EUR 19,970, with all proceeds going directly to the Little Heroes Foundation  – helping provide vital care, hope, and brighter futures for children in need.

The Cyprus Marine Club extends its sincere gratitude to its generous sponsors, whose support made the evening possible. The Club proudly acknowledges Olympia Ocean Carriers,  Pagasarri Navigation, UW Group, One Net, and Marlow Navigation. Special thanks also go to the Club’s Annual Sponsors, whose continued commitment throughout the year strengthens the Cyprus Marine Club and its initiatives.