530,845 Euros—this was the total amount announced at the event TRIBUTE TO BAMBI last Wednesday night. Over the last few weeks, a network of media outlets, celebrities and businesses had collected money for three Offenburg-based initiatives that support the integration of children with an immigrant background: Lesewelt, KICKFORMORE and Das Bunte Haus.

“Tonight’s event is all about children in need,” welcomed TV presenter Barbara Schöneberger the guests at the Silver Star Dome at Europa-Park Rust. On the eve of the BAMBI award ceremony, the focus was on charity. One in six German children lives in poverty, 2.6 million minors altogether. “We cannot afford to fail even a single child,” emphasized Patricia Riekel, chief coordinator of BAMBI and as the editor-in-chief of BUNTE also the initiator of the charity event.

Offenburg’s Lord Mayor Edith Schreiner was delighted about the high amount collected for the three local facilities. She herself had donated 25,000 Euros to the good cause. “Integration is the main future task towns and cities have to master. We need these young people to be a part of our society,” said the politician. The city urgently relied on the support of facilities like the sponsored initiatives to reach this goal, she added.

Europa-Park boss and the event’s host Roland Mack also made a significant contribution: He presented Patricia Riekel with a check for 50,000 Euros. “As a regional entrepreneur, it is particularly important for me to have a share in this campaign,” said Mack. Numerous further partners had lent a helping hand and launched activities that helped raise the impressive amount for the sponsored initiatives.

On the eve of the award ceremony for Germany’s most important media award, about 1,000 guests participated in the charity event, among them actors Ralf Bauer, Uschi Glas and Thomas Fritsch, athletes Matthias Steiner and Jürgen Hingsen, writer Cornelia Funke, national soccer coach Joachim Löw, comedian Mike Krüger, model Barbara Meier and entrepreneur Hermann Bühlbecker. The entertainment highlights were the stage shows of Leona Lewis and Robyn.

Support TRIBUTE TO BAMBI by making a donation to account number 3751210121 at Bank für Sozialwirtschaft (bank code 700 20 500). For further information on the charity initiative please see www.tributetobambi.de.