The AX Foundation recently hosted its highly anticipated Dining & Giving Fundraiser on Thursday, 6th June at Minoa, AX ODYCY Hotel’s signature Mediterranean Fusion restaurant in Qawra. The event was a resounding success, welcoming over 100 guests, and raising over €33,450 in support of the Foundation’s initiatives for individuals living with invisible disabilities.
Presenter Clare Agius kicked off the event with her signature positive energy at this annual fundraising event. The night commenced with a warm welcome from AX Foundation Chairperson, Ms. Claire Zammit Xuereb, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the attendees, including the AX family, staff and especially all sponsors who have supported the cause.
She emphasised the Foundation’s role in “identifying gaps in support services and helping young people with disabilities gain functional skills for independent living.”
AX Foundation’s Vice Chairperson Joseph Borg unveiled AX Foundation’s next major project: a collaboration with local independent schools to create Nurture Rooms, Therapy Rooms, and Support Rooms. “This project involves structural enhancements to provide a safe and quiet space for children, including a small kitchen for independent living skills, a calming area with soft furnishings, and a library for emotional literacy and creativity,” Mr. Borg explained. The project, fully funded by the AX Foundation, is set to commence and conclude over the summer holidays of 2024, to minimise disruption for students. Additionally, Mr. Borg shared details of a pilot project aimed at matching the unique skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals with suitable career opportunities, a collaboration between the government through Aġenzija Sapport, two foreign organisations, and a local NGO.
The evening also celebrated the third edition of the AX Ability Award, which honours young individuals overcoming invisible challenges and serving as positive role models. This year’s recognition was awareded to Dr. Alistair Degaetano, who has achieved remarkable academic success and has been a passionate advocate for the rights of people with disabilities over the years.
Guests enjoyed a spectacular multi-course dinner prepared by the talented Minoa kitchen brigade led by talented Chef Zohair Aljatlawi, live entertainment by a renowned local saxophonist Luca D. Sax, and an exclusive art exhibition by Carmen Vella Gauci. The evening concluded with lively entertainment at Medusa, the ODYCY Hotel’s level 10 sky bar, where guests enjoyed raffles and prizes, including gift vouchers and hampers.
For more information on AX Foundation and its charitable initiatives, please visit www.axgroup.mt/about-us/ax-foundation.
