What an evening! On October 9th, 2025, our CHARITY at [ ] Gala Dinner took place once again at Cookies Cream, and just like every year, it was a tremendous success. More than 100 guests, including familiar faces such as Michael Michalsky, Leyla Piedayesh, Michi Beck, Nadine Warmuth, Tim Renner and Toni Garrn, came together to enjoy a wonderful dinner while doing good at the same time.

 

The outcome speaks for itself: thanks to your support, we were able to raise nearly two thirds more donations than last year — a tremendous vote of confidence in our mission! We are truly thrilled and deeply grateful. As always, every cent goes directly to Mbigili, while Cookie and Thomas personally cover all event costs.

 

 

The team of the Michelin-starred restaurant Cookies Cream spoiled the guests with a vegetarian four-course menu that left even food lovers speechless: Jerusalem artichoke with pine cap mushrooms & macadamia, chicory with truffle & carrot, creamy parmesan dumplings with chanterelles, and as a sweet finale, chervil root with pear & hazelnut.

 

There were also some truly moving moments thanks to our two special guests:
Miriam, a pediatrician who spent many years working in Tanzania and supporting children in need, shared how she always preferred bringing children to the Mbigili Children’s Village, because she knew they would grow up there in safety, health and love. “That is not something you can take for granted in Tanzania,” she emphasized.

 

Katja, who has been donating for many years, spoke together with her son about their visit to the village. She described how this experience opened both their eyes to how privileged our life here is — and how important it is to help these children experience a happy and secure childhood.

 

Today, the Mbigili Children’s Village is home to 83 children and 53 families in the Home Based Care program. Many former residents now stand on their own feet as carpenters, cooks or doctors – living proof of how powerfully and effectively our shared commitment is working.

 

 

To ensure that this remains possible, ongoing monthly donations via www.charityat.com are essential. “They give us the planning security we need in order to help sustainably,” says Thomas-Marco Steinle.

 

An evening full of warmth, flavor and true togetherness – and proof that even after 16 years, we can continue to grow.

 

With heartfelt thanks,

 

Cookie & Thomas