ACM’s RITZY GALA RAISED €10,000 FOR THE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE

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There were nearly 200 attendees, including jovial Ronald McDonald who set the stage for an evening of laughter, networking and re-connecting with old friends in an elegant atmosphere

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By Heidi Buffington
Photos: ACM

Don Antonio Garrigues Walker bridges Spain and the States

Each fall, the American Club of Madrid celebrates an annual charity dinner and dance. Last November 8, 2014, the ACM celebrated its 62nd Anniversary Gala at the Hotel Ritz which opened with a photocall with Honorary Chairman Baroness Carmen Thyssen and Premio Puente winner D. Antonio Garrigues Walker for indefatigably fostering close and meaningful relationship between the United States and Spain, hence the puente (bridge). The award is in line with ACM‘s objective which, in the words of the new ACM president Liz Keating, “is to engage the American population here in Madrid as well as the local Spanish and international community through events and activities, which help foster a strong relationship and understanding between the United States and Spain.”

Past 9:00 PM the dining hall opened for seating  followed immediately by the touching Color Guard procession playing both the Spanish and American national anthems.

Before the sumptuous dinner was served, remarks by the MC , the ACM president and the Baroness  were made.

Ronald “Not A Dull Moment” McDonald gets his ear pulled by ACM president Liz Keating

There were almost 200 attendees, including Ronald McDonald himself who greeted guests during the cocktail hour, posed for photos and even helped with the live auction. Ronald’s jovial nature set the stage for an evening of laughter, networking and re-connecting with old friends in an elegant atmosphere.

Dessert was served while people considered bidding on live auction items, after the silent auctioon had ended. The nearly 60 lots on the block included artwork, hotel stays, signed soccer gear, jewelry and handbags, and even a bullfighting cape signed by José Tomás.

All proceeds went to the Ronald McDonald House Madrid which provides free housing for families whose children are receiving health care at the Niño de Jesús Hospital.

Matador José Tomás’s cape, one of the more popular lots at the successful auction

Many attendees ended the evening dancing to an amazingly talented live big band while other lucky bidders collected their cherished auction acquisitionss and then showed them off on the dance floor.

Not only was it a great night of socializing; over €10,000 was raised for a great cause. The American Club of Madrid aims to connect people for business and social events as well as give back to the community.

Toasts to a memorable Gala event

The next event is the December Happy Hour (December 8th, Museo Chicote, 19h) where toys will be collected for the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots program.