Andrea Bocelli Launches Charity At Star-Studded Gala

Girard-Perregaux, iconic luxury Swiss watch brand, was proud to partner up with the Andrea Bocelli, the world’s highest selling solo artist in the history of classical music, in the launch of his new foundation, the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, with a 2011 Benefit Gala on December 9th.

The foundation was launched at a fundraising event produced by Studiomusica and Jo Champa presented by the Grammy Museum Foundation and held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles seeking to raise funds and awareness for its efforts to fight poverty around the world and to help people overcome barriers caused by illness, discomfort or disability.

The fundraising Gala featured an auction and performances by Andrea Bocelli himself, as well as icons David Foster, Heather Headley, Anna Maria Martinez and a special surprise performance by Michael Bolton. In addition, Bocelli presented the first foundation award, a Girard-Perregaux World Timer timepiece, to iconic music recorder and producer Quincy Jones for his worldwide philanthropic efforts. The night came to an end with Bocelli’s iconic song “Con Te Partiro”.

Other celebrities attending included Evan Rachel Wood, Camilla Belle, Julie Benz, Chaka Khan, Linda Ramone, Chris Spencer and others.

“I feel very strongly about helping people make the most of the world that we live in”, says Andrea Bocelli. “I was born with a poor eyesight and became completely blind at the age of twelve. Overcoming blindness and dealing with its consequences has taught me about the nature of externally imposed limits, and has encouraged me to think about how to help and support others facing barriers in their lives. Every human being has the right to be happy, fulfilled and to live a flourishing and meaningful life. I want to help those who face barriers in achieving their life’s potential”.