Caudwell Children Raises Over €1 Million in Monaco
Renowned worldwide for the scale and sophistication of its charity galas, Caudwell Children once again hosted an unforgettable evening of life-changing philanthropy to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Butterfly Ball Monaco.
Organized with the support of luxury yachting specialist Burgess, the event took place at the iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, raising an impressive €1,015,600 to support disabled and neurodivergent children across the United Kingdom.
Founded by Modesta Vžesniauskaitė, partner of entrepreneur and philanthropist John Caudwell, the Butterfly Ball Monaco has become one of the Principality’s most prestigious charitable events. Ten years on, Modesta continues to play a key role, preserving the spirit of a celebration that gathers an exclusive circle of celebrities, patrons, and influential supporters each year.
Modesta Vžesniauskaitė: “When I created the Butterfly Ball Monaco ten years ago, I dreamed of building something truly magical — a night that would reflect Monaco’s beauty and elegance, but most importantly, raise vital funds for children who need our help the most. Over the decade, the gala has grown beyond anything I could have imagined, and I’m immensely proud of the extraordinary community we’ve built.”
Under the leadership of CEO Claire Marshall, Caudwell Children recently unveiled a bold new brand identity, symbolizing individuality and celebrating the unique potential of every child.
Claire Marshall: “We’ve developed a strong and inspiring identity, along with a five-year strategy to support even more families. The Butterfly Ball holds a very special place in our hearts: it has helped us raise several million pounds to support disabled and autistic children across the UK. Seeing the real impact of these funds is deeply moving.”
The evening was co-hosted by British racing driver Nicolas Hamilton, a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, and award-winning DJ and broadcaster Neev Spencer. Together, they brought the ‘Great Minds’ community together in a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion.
Nicolas Hamilton: “I’m honoured and grateful to have co-hosted the Butterfly Ball. Caudwell Children is an incredible foundation I’ve supported for years, including at its London gala at The Dorchester. Living with cerebral palsy myself, and with my partner being autistic, this cause is deeply personal to me.”
Neev Spencer: “It was a truly magical night in Monaco. Thank you to Caudwell Children for trusting me to host the Butterfly Ball — it was a real honour. This charity means so much to me, especially as my younger brother lives with a disability.”
Adding further prestige to the evening, Guest Creative Director Billy Folchetti, internationally renowned for his innovative and immersive creations, brought a perfect balance of sophistication and creativity to the event.
Guests enjoyed a three-course gourmet dinner, highlighted by performances from Anastasian, The Troubadours, and DJ Filippo, followed by the famous Butterfly Ball auction. Among the prizes were luxury superyacht experiences and an exclusive VIP motorsport experience with Sébastien Buemi.
The auction was led by Charlie Ross, an internationally acclaimed auctioneer known for his world record sales and collaborations with major figures in sports, media, and entertainment.
Founded in 2000 by John Caudwell, Caudwell Children has become, after 25 years, one of the UK’s leading charities dedicated to supporting disabled and neurodivergent children and their families. Every donation goes directly toward funding practical services and emotional support, designed in close collaboration with the children and their families.
John Caudwell: “I’m incredibly proud that over the last decade, the Butterfly Ball has raised millions of pounds and transformed the lives of thousands of young people. The event has grown in scale and ambition, but above all, it continues to change lives. Together, we are building a world where every disabled or autistic child has the chance to shine.”
