Organized by the National Breast Cancer Association of Uzbekistan (NBCAU), Fund Forum and the Women’s Council, the event took place at Yakkasarai Hall and kicked off with a video that focused on the activities of the NBCAU. Since its inception 4 years ago, the NBCAU has provided organized around 30 major events, set up free diagnostics campaigns for over 17,000 women across the country, provided over 350 women with medications worth 839,430,000 soums, invited dozens of international breast care professionals to lead workshops in Tashkent and run a series of programs to address breast cancer in Uzbekistan.

The items that went under the hammer at the fundraising auction included a carpet made by Surxon-silk weaving factory, ‘Old Country Roses’ china set by Royal Albert and a GULI piece among others. All the proceeds from the auction led by British auctioneer Edward Rising will go toward organizing early detection campaigns across Uzbekistan, psychological and social rehabilitation of women with breast cancer and purchasing drugs.

The chairwoman of the NBCAU Organizing Committee, Gulnara Karimova, presented certificates to representatives of the breast care clinic in each Uzbek region. The certificates will enable the clinics to receive medical equipment such as electrocardiographs, operating tables and endoscopy devices.

Also, four doctors involved in annual diagnostics campaigns overseen by the NBCAU and two organizations that have supported the NBCAU were honored with gratitude certificates and presents.

The gala dinner concluded with a concert by Russian music group Rondo.

The event was attended by famous cinematographers Egor Konchalovsky, Nik Powell, Regis Ghezelbash, Vadim Abdurashitov, Menahem Golan, Nuoming Huari, Vietnamese artist Tran Trong Vu, film critic Philipp Bergson, Geoff French of Birmingham Metropolitan College, Russian actor Gosha Kutsenko, Uzbek singers Munojat Yulchiyeva and Jahongir Poziljonov, American actor Mark Dacascos, Director of Christie’s Russia, CIS and Central Asia Guy Vesey, the founder of de Grisogono Fawaz Gruosi, the President of the Spanish Association of Young and New Designers Laura Victoria Valencia Renteira, the founder of Kamishima Chinami fashion label Watanabe Toshitsugu, American fashion designer Loris Diran, diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations, Uzbek culture and art professionals, doctors, breast cancer patients and journalists.

Zubaida Hamidova, breast cancer survivor, Andijan:

“I and my family had an emotional shock when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I contacted the Women’s Council branch in Andijan region and was offer an opportunity to take treatment in Tashkent. Later, I was sent to Israel when I was operated on free of charge. I’m feeling a lot better now. I’m in high spirits and I am happy to be attending this charity event. I just want to encourage every woman affected by breast cancer not to despair, to think positive and to fight for their lives. It’s very important to take good care of yourself and watch out for any change in your body.”

Duchaufour Bertrand, French perfumer who has created fragrances for brands such as Penhaligon’s, Amouage, Comme des Garcons, Givenchy and Christian Dior:

“This is a special event and I’m happy to be attending events being held as part of Tashkent Art Week. This is my first time here and I was impressed when I saw so many celebrities and influential professionals, designers and musicians.”

Alexander Ivanov, the lead singer of Russian music group Rondo:

“I want to say thanks to Fund Forum and personally to Gulnara Karimova for inviting me and I want to wish all women good health and happiness. It’s amazing that here at this gala dinner we have an opportunity to help women to recover.”