Zurich Summer Party: Gambling for a good cause
Every summer, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants Switzerland invites friends and clients to the garden of the Zürich office. This summer event has become a regular gathering for the "who's who" of the Swiss business world, and invitations are highly sought after. The business magazine "Bilanz" recently called it the "most colorful business event in Switzerland".
This year's celebration once again featured prominent guests. High-profile attendees from business, politics and culture mingled in the garden at the Castello, including former Swiss Federal Councilor Adolf Ogi as guest speaker, Roche Honorary Chairman Fritz Gerber, EFG Chairman Jean-Pierre Cuoni, Lindt & Sprüngli Member of the Management Board Uwe Sommer, Swiss Re Executive Committee Member David Blumer, Bär & Karrer Executive Chairman of the Board Felix Ehrat, Migros CEO Herbert Bollinger, Gallery Director Doris Ammann and Dr. Christian Breymann from Zürich's University Hospital.
In recent years, panel discussions and lectures on business topics played a central role in the evening. This year, however, the summer event was dedicated to fundraising for "Right to Play", an international children's aid organization. The organization sponsors play and sport programs to aid children affected by war, poverty and disease, and thereby improve their quality of life. Over 300 top athletes from about 40 different countries serve as spokespeople and role models. The founder and president of the aid organization, Johann Olav Koss, Norwegian speed skater and several time Olympic medalist, introduced his organization to the guests in a dialogue with Roland Berger. Prominent guest speaker Adolf Ogi spoke on the importance of sports for the development of children and youths. Former Councilor Ogi was Special Adviser for the United Nations on Sport for Development and Peace until 2007.
With traditional garb, draft beer, pretzels and roast chicken, a festive mood filled the tents. Roland Berger, Martin Wittig and Carsten Henkel personally saw to the ceremonial tapping of the beer barrels. In this Bavarian atmosphere, everyone's generosity was soon bubbling over. Hosts and guests alike waged a good natured bidding war in the hopes of snagging one of the original prizes: a ski day with professional Marco Büchel, a sojourn in the mountains with Adolf Ogi or three visits to Right to Play projects in Ghana.
The highlight of this summer evening turned out to be the charitable bingo game, with famous Swiss comedian Beat Schlatter as caller. The 300 guests purchased bingo cards for a chance at one of the fun prizes. All players participated with enthusiasm. The grand prize was Martin Wittig's services as a window cleaner. The winner of second prize was awarded a rock to break a window with; Roland Berger Strategy Consultants would be responsible for the damage costs. Roche Honorary Chairman Fritz Gerber danced a small jig when he won. The total proceeds of the charity evening were matched by Roland Berger AG Switzerland and the Partners. Proceeds and matching funds together amounted to a very respectable sum, and Johann Olav Koss extended his sincere thanks and appreciation.
Even those who went home empty-handed were able to enjoy the evening, chatting with friends on a summer's day in a cozy Bavarian atmosphere.
This year's celebration once again featured prominent guests. High-profile attendees from business, politics and culture mingled in the garden at the Castello, including former Swiss Federal Councilor Adolf Ogi as guest speaker, Roche Honorary Chairman Fritz Gerber, EFG Chairman Jean-Pierre Cuoni, Lindt & Sprüngli Member of the Management Board Uwe Sommer, Swiss Re Executive Committee Member David Blumer, Bär & Karrer Executive Chairman of the Board Felix Ehrat, Migros CEO Herbert Bollinger, Gallery Director Doris Ammann and Dr. Christian Breymann from Zürich's University Hospital.
In recent years, panel discussions and lectures on business topics played a central role in the evening. This year, however, the summer event was dedicated to fundraising for "Right to Play", an international children's aid organization. The organization sponsors play and sport programs to aid children affected by war, poverty and disease, and thereby improve their quality of life. Over 300 top athletes from about 40 different countries serve as spokespeople and role models. The founder and president of the aid organization, Johann Olav Koss, Norwegian speed skater and several time Olympic medalist, introduced his organization to the guests in a dialogue with Roland Berger. Prominent guest speaker Adolf Ogi spoke on the importance of sports for the development of children and youths. Former Councilor Ogi was Special Adviser for the United Nations on Sport for Development and Peace until 2007.
With traditional garb, draft beer, pretzels and roast chicken, a festive mood filled the tents. Roland Berger, Martin Wittig and Carsten Henkel personally saw to the ceremonial tapping of the beer barrels. In this Bavarian atmosphere, everyone's generosity was soon bubbling over. Hosts and guests alike waged a good natured bidding war in the hopes of snagging one of the original prizes: a ski day with professional Marco Büchel, a sojourn in the mountains with Adolf Ogi or three visits to Right to Play projects in Ghana.
The highlight of this summer evening turned out to be the charitable bingo game, with famous Swiss comedian Beat Schlatter as caller. The 300 guests purchased bingo cards for a chance at one of the fun prizes. All players participated with enthusiasm. The grand prize was Martin Wittig's services as a window cleaner. The winner of second prize was awarded a rock to break a window with; Roland Berger Strategy Consultants would be responsible for the damage costs. Roche Honorary Chairman Fritz Gerber danced a small jig when he won. The total proceeds of the charity evening were matched by Roland Berger AG Switzerland and the Partners. Proceeds and matching funds together amounted to a very respectable sum, and Johann Olav Koss extended his sincere thanks and appreciation.
Even those who went home empty-handed were able to enjoy the evening, chatting with friends on a summer's day in a cozy Bavarian atmosphere.
Information on the organization: visit http://www.righttoplay.com
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Picture Gallery
To take a look at the pictures of the summer event in Zurich please click here.
