Expats set to Unite at Bonfire Night Charity Party

Seen by many as a highlight in the fall social calendar, this popular international community event brings together expats and cosmopolitan locals from local business, diplomatic, and cultural circles in Hungary.

Dennis Diokno, the CEO of longtime event sponsor FirstMed Budapest, described the last in-person party in 2019 as “A truly spectacular evening! I thoroughly enjoyed the fabulous company at this event again.”

He added, “FirstMed has proudly been the main sponsor of this XpatLoop Charity Gala fundraiser for many years and has been a partner of XpatLoop.com for nearly 20. I look forward to many more good times together!”

This year FirstMed has teamed up with Dr. Rose, the leading private hospital in Hungary, as co-main sponsors of what XpatLoop calls its “feel good + do good” party. The two firms will also announce a new business cooperation at the event.

The guest of honor will, as usual, be the U.K.’s Ambassador to Hungary. Last year the then newly arrived Paul Fox made a video message to support this fundraiser.

“As a Brit and as ambassador, I am proud that XpatLoop.com has held celebrations for Bonfire Night for over a decade. Not only have they been some of the best parties in town, but also events that have raised incredible amounts of funds for a number of worthy causes,” Fox said in his address.

“In particular, I would like to highlight the fundraising support XpatLoop has given for many years to children with serious health conditions by making their dreams come true through collaboration with the Csodalámpa / Magic Lantern Foundation.”

Honored

Gábor Patzauer, founder and president of the Csodalampa Foundation, said, “Our team is greatly honored that its mission of granting 260-300 wishes per year for very ill children is supported by XpatLoop.com event guests and readers; thank you!”

In 2021, the event will be held in the ballroom at the Budapest Marriott on November 9, following COVID safety regulations. Stephen Linfitt, the publisher of XpatLoop.com and the event organizer, says there is still time for businesses to offer auction prizes for the event and adds that some sponsorship opportunities are still available.

He adds that tickets are selling well for this year. “Priced at a modest HUF 10,000 per person, they include lots of refreshments and live entertainment, such as a performance by Budapest’s favorite expat covers band ‘The Vibe,’” he says.

One of the event’s highlights is always the live auction. The traditional duo of local expat actor and voiceover artist Hans Peterson and TV personality Zsuzsa Demcsák will again present this essential fundraising part of the night.

The auction offers a wide range of items generously donated by event supporters like the Budapest Marriott Hotel. This year, other regular sponsors include Sándor Zwack, chairman of the board of directors of Zwack Unicum, who has arranged a cocktail bar for the event along with bottles of Unicum Barista and Unicum Riserva bottles on every gala table.

He is also confirmed as a guest this year, as is, for example, János Szlifka, the general manager of Aston Martin Budapest.

The Budapest Business Journal has supported this event for many years, offering as it does the chance to party for charity with friends and new faces. XpatLoop.com promises a buzzing atmosphere created by guests from all around the globe; there is sure to be a multitude of reunions, introductions, and handy contacts - both business and social. See XpatLoop.com for more information on the official invitation.

This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of October 22, 2021.