AmCham Bulgaria Raised Over BGN 103,000 for Two Charities at the Thanksgiving Dinner 2024

  • The funds will go towards two causes that the Chamber has been supporting for years: scholarships for high-achieving students who have lost one or both parents and support for women and children affected by domestic violence. 
  • Both causes can be supported year-round through corporate and personal donations. 
  • The Thanksgiving Charity Dinner welcomed over 330 guests to celebrate the traditional American holiday and support these causes. 

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria (AmCham Bulgaria) and its members raised 103,000 BGN during the traditional Thanksgiving Charity Dinner held on November 26, 2024. The event’s primary aim is to express gratitude to the Chamber’s members and partners for their joint efforts and achievements over the past year, honor the American family tradition, and raise funds for its long-supported causes. 

The event annually aims to collect funds to support two causes managed by the BCause Foundation: “Ready for Success” – a scholarship program assisting orphans and children with a single parent (students and university attendees) with outstanding academic achievements, and the Fund for Support of Women Victims of Domestic Violence, which works with organizations providing shelter in safe houses as well as legal, psychological, and social assistance to help women and their children start a new life. 

The event gathered over 330 guests, including members and partners, at the Sofia Event Center. Distinguished guests included H.E. Kenneth H. Merten, U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, and his spouse; Deputy Chief of Mission Martin McDowell and his spouse; Hannah Kamenetsky, Senior Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy, and her spouse; as well as Metropolitan Anthony of Western and Central Europe. AmCham President Olivier Marquet and CEO Ivan Mihaylov also participated. 

About the Causes 

Elitsa Barakova, Executive Director of the BCause Foundation and a Chamber member known for leading charitable and CSR programs in Bulgaria, delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the importance of philanthropy and the long-term impact of supporting these two causes. Her words were followed by an emotional video showcasing stories of young people with big dreams and hopes for the future, made possible through these initiatives. 

Fundraising Campaign 

The campaign among the Chamber’s members and during the Charity Dinner raised 103,000 BGN to date. This amount includes funds collected through the event’s three sponsorship tiers, corporate table purchases, individual tickets, and targeted donations. Significant contributions from direct donations or participation in the evening’s two auctions include: 

  • Alta Pharmaceuticals – 5,000 BGN 
  • Agria AD – BGN 2,000
  • Vet Trade – BGN 2,000

In 2024, the BCause Foundation marks the 19th consecutive year of fundraising for the “Ready for Success” scholarship program for disadvantaged students. The program has been supported by AmCham and its members for 17 years, raising over 3,200,000 BGN through corporate and individual donations. These scholarships benefit future doctors, nurses, lawyers, IT specialists, and other professionals whose skills and education are vital for Bulgaria. 

Thanks to Sponsors, Volunteers, and Partners 

The Charity Dinner is supported by sponsors, corporate table purchases, and individual contributions. AmCham Bulgaria thanks: 

  • Diamond Sponsor – Glavbolgarstroy 
  • Gold Sponsors – Asarel-Medet, Dundee Precious, IHS, Intermedica, Sensata Technologies, SKF. 
  • Silver Sponsors – Geotechmin, Coca-Cola, Globalsat, KAI, Lockheed Martin, Top Hospital Services, Westinghouse. 

Corporate table sponsors included A1 Bulgaria, AES 3C Maritza East 1, Coca-Cola, EasyPay, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Selectium, Eviden, Lockheed Martin, ING Bank, Moto-Pfohe, Merck Sharp & Dohme Bulgaria, Philip Morris Bulgaria, Roche Bulgaria, Sensata Technologies Bulgaria, Top Hospital Services, United Group (Nova TV and Vivacom), Woodward Bulgaria. 

The event hosts were Tony MacMurray, Board Member of AmCham and Ingram Micro, and Marina Tsekova, host of “Wake Up” on Nova TV. Guests enjoyed four exceptional performances by the Pioneer Philharmonic, conducted by Lyubomir Denev Jr. The orchestra performed Brahms’ “Hungarian Dances,” Petko Staynov’s “Rachenitsa,” and a suite from Disney’s Aladdin by Alan Menken, with The Walt Disney Company kindly providing the rights for the orchestra’s participation. Special guest performers Orlin Pavlov and Stefan Valdobrev gave their pro bono performances, adding to the evening’s emotional and inspiring atmosphere. Young singer Enya-Asena Delcheva, a 5-year scholarship recipient of the American College of Sofia and Philanthropy Hub New York, gave two performances, accompanied by guitarist Vladislav Skrivsky, also a student at the American College of Sofia. Their talent deeply moved the audience. The live auction was hosted by Elena Stefanova, ambassador for “Ready for Success,” and Daniel Kiryakov, PR and Communications Manager at AmCham Bulgaria. 

AmChampion Awards 

The event also featured the AmChampion Awards, recognizing the most active AmCham members in 2023. Learn more about the winners here. 

About AmCham Bulgaria 

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria (AmCham Bulgaria) has been the voice of the transatlantic economy in Bulgaria for over 28 years, uniting more than 330 reputable American, multinational, and Bulgarian companies. 

AmCham is a member of AmChams in Europe (ACE) and a partner of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington. Since 2019, it has supported the Three Seas Initiative. 

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