The Art of Kindness: The Charity Auction of Bulgaria Sotheby’s International Realty in Support of UNICEF Raised Over 200,000 BGN for the Cause “Together from the Beginning

November 5, 2025

On October 27, the National Library “Sts. Cyril and Methodius” became a stage for art, music, and inspiration. The second consecutive charity gala evening organized by Bulgaria Sotheby’s International Realty in support of UNICEF brought together over 210 guests – representatives of business, culture, and public life – united by a noble cause.
“Together from the Beginning” is a UNICEF Bulgaria program that supports families of children with developmental difficulties from the earliest months of life through timely care and guidance.

We are proud to share that together we raised over 200,000 BGN, which will be donated in full to expand the program to three new municipalities in the country and to train healthcare professionals supporting early childhood development.

“The ‘Together from the Start’ program is not just a service, but a community of professionals, parents, and people with big hearts who believe that no family should face difficulties alone,”
said Christina de Bruin, UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria.

The event was initiated by Hristo Angelkov, Managing Partner at Bulgaria Sotheby’s International Realty, who shared in his welcoming speech:

“This evening brought us together with art, music, and inspiration – with creations and experiences that proved beauty has the power to change lives.
I believe each of you found your own way to be part of this change – through a gesture, through support, through compassion.
Let us, together, turn this event into more than a charity evening – into a tradition.
A tradition of kindness, generosity, and humanity that unites us all.”

Guests enjoyed emotional musical performances by Orlin Pavlov, Maria Ilieva, Lyubo Kirov, Zhivko Petrov, and Flawless Trio, while actress and UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador Elena Petrova presented the evening’s cause with a moving message.

The heart of the night was the charity auction, conducted with finesse and professionalism by a team from Sotheby’s London, who came specially for the event. Among the auctioned lots were exceptional artworks and unique experiences donated by their creators and event partners.

Guests bid for works by Francesco Macapani Missoni (From Odd to Loved), Mika Sav (The 13th Note), Vanya Dudolenska (Just Like That), Miryana Todorova (Bold Times: Entangled I), Georgi Andonov (Queen Ioanna), Gencho Nakev (Trip to the South), Sara Albert (Big Heart), and Nikyoto & Konstantin (Kumo to Tori).

The evening was hosted by Simona Krasteva and Orlin Pavlov.
Photographer Kostadin Krastev – KOKO donated a professional family photoshoot, while the National Library contributed a bibliophile facsimile edition of the novel “Under the Yoke.”

Among the experiences that sparked the most excitement were private tours and lunch at Sotheby’s London and Sotheby’s Paris, a wine tour in Clos Mireille, France, provided by Domaines Ott and Bibendum, a one-day Porsche On Track 2026 adventure donated by Porsche Bulgaria, as well as two tickets for the Big Art Festival Gala Night St. Moritz 2026, courtesy of Bulgaria Sotheby’s International Realty.

One of the most touching auction items was “Kindergarten in a Box” – an early childhood development kit provided by UNICEF Bulgaria, symbolizing the cause and reminding everyone that every child deserves space to grow, to be cared for, and to be loved.

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners and sponsors – Artex Engineering, MD Capital, RUHomes Botanic Garden, Lozenitsa Estate, NuHealth, TV Property, as well as Porsche Bulgaria and Porsche Club Bulgaria, who presented an impressive display of classic cars.

“For us, this is not just an evening but a shared effort that proves that when beauty meets compassion, the result is real change.
We thank everyone who shared this cause with us,”
said Bulgaria Sotheby’s International Realty.

The funds raised will provide support to even more families and give children with developmental difficulties the attention, care, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential — from the very start.

* UNICEF does not endorse or recommend any specific products or services.