HUMANITARIAN AUCTION OF HRH CROWN PRINCESS KATHERINE FOUNDATION AND TIGAR CORPORATION AT THE WHITE PALACE

Belgrade, 29 September 2009 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine hosted a humanitarian auction in aid of breast cancer prevention tonight at the White Palace. Her Serene Highness Princess Ira von Fürstenberg, special guest of The Royal Couple also attended the event.

At this exceptional gathering, which was organized by HRH Crown Princess Katherine Foundation together with Tigar Corporation and guests had the pleasure to participate in a humanitarian auction of a limited edition rubber footwear collection – PIROT'S KILIM, produced by Tigar Corporation in aid of breast cancer raising awareness campaign in Serbia.

During the official opening speeches were delivered by: HRH Crown Prince Alexander II, HRH Crown Princess Katherine, Doc. Dr. Nevena Karanovic, State Secretary for Health, Prof. Dr. Dragana Jovanovic, Secretary for Health of the City of Belgrade and Mr. Dragan Nikolic, General Manager of Tigar Corporation.

Addressing the numerous guests HRH Crown Prince Alexander II stated: “What we are doing here tonight is not just raising funds for breast cancer prevention, but also setting an example to other successful companies and people of good will in Serbia. We gathered here tonight to show that we care and that we want the number of women cured from breast cancer in Serbia be 80 or 90 percent, like it is in developed countries”

Doc. Dr. Nevena Karanovic, State Secretary for Health said:” It is extremely important that all Government bodies, non-governmental organizations and socially responsible companies work together on projects like this one. That is the only way we could hope to make significant results”.

Prof. Dr. Dragana Jovanovic, Secretary for Health of the City of Belgrade, emphasized:” The truth is that it is sometimes very difficult to work in this field. It is a world full of human tragedy, pain and heartbreak. Despite all we’ve done, our first challenge is still at the beginning: to teach society about the basics, to break cultural taboos about this disease and to teach our women to take care of themselves.”

Mr. Dragan Nikolic, General Manager of Tigar Corporation stressed: “It is my great pleasure that we, under the auspices of Their Royal Highnesses, are able to demonstrate our charity and contribute to this admirable and important campaign, which is of enormous value to the health of our women and our nation as a whole. It is said that the essence of man’s life is good will. I am certain that tonight we will all demonstrate our good will and together help those who are sick with cancer to see a new dawn and to find their way to a cure and to a new eternity”.

Following the speeches, guests take pleasure in a fashion show organized by Select Fashion Studio after which HRH Crown Princess Katherine addressed the guests emphasizing: “Thank you very much for being here tonight, and thank you for supporting breast cancer prevention efforts in Serbia. My heart is full of joy, because I am surrounded by gracious people who want to help.

I will repeat what I have already stated to the women of Serbia. Breast cancer can be cured! Death is not an option, and I appeal to all women to go to their doctors and prevent something that is preventable. Let us win this battle, I am sure that we can and we will”.

Just after all present took part in a charity auction guided by Mr. Aleksandar Djordjevic. Contributors had chance to bid for 25 originally styled items featuring unique woven designs inspired by Pirot kilim motives (Gentle Touch, Awakening, Royal Grace, Mid-Dream, Essence, Dreamy wreath, Mystic, Diabolical Beauty, Loving Embrace, Longing, Memories, Reveries, Ancestral Spirit, Life Path, Blessing, Eternity, Ease of Existence, Mysterious Blue, Magnificent Colours, Forgotten Treasure, Family Secret, Illusion, Princess’s Smile, Poetry and Footsteps in Time).

After the auction guest had the pleasure to enjoy the cocktail followed by performance of outstanding Intermezzo Quartet.

Princess Katherine Foundation is very actively supporting breast cancer awareness campaign taking part in various actions that aimed to bring alertness to the women of Serbia and encourage them to prevent this terrible disease.

Apart from many accomplishments HRH Crown Princess Katherine Foundation together with Katarina Rebraca Charity Fund in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Secretariat for Health of the City of Belgrade, Usce Shopping Centre and with the support of TV92 launched Pink Ribbon Shopping Month at the Usce Shopping Centre. At the stand, launched in aid of early awareness of breast cancer, there will be a special programme during the month of October which is the International breast cancer awareness month.