Irish Charity Ball raised 16,000 BGN

On April 18, in Flannagan's Irish Pub of Radisson Hotel there was an informal meeting of representatives of the Irish community in Bulgaria and journalists. They talked about the charity initiatives of the community, the funds raised, the foundations and homes it supports, of future initiatives. And most of all about this year's Irish Charity Ball, which raised 16,000 BGN!

The ball was held for a third year in a row, celebrating the Day of St. Patrick, patron of Ireland. The aim of the initiative is to aid orphanages, homes for children without control and people in a disadvantaged position. The funds raised this year will go to Day Youths' Center 16+, which supports homeless and unemployed youths between the age of 16 and 25, and to Third Special School for mentally handicapped children in Sofia.

The spring surprises of Indesit Company Bulgaria

April was full of events for the representatives of the famous Italian company, producing domestic appliances, in Bulgaria. On April 7, in the showroom of Indesit in Sofia the culinary expert Uti Bachvarov rolled up his sleeves and prepared delicious dishes using the new series of built-in kitchen products Experience of Ariston. On top of that, he had the courage to knead different types of pasta before the eyes of the specialties from the motherland of pasta, but the Italians who had come specially for the presentation of the new appliances judged him on his merits and sampled them with relish.

Indeed in an Ariston kitchen one can feel like in heaven. The new products make us feel like people from the future not only with their design but also with their multi-functionality that does the most important thing – spares time, money and nerves to their owners. And there are a lot of those the world round. The company holds 15.8% market share in the sector of big domestic appliances and sells products for 3 billion euro to over 14 billion households bearing the European brands Ariston and Indesit and the local Hotpoint (UK), Scholtès (France) and Stinol (Russia).

On April 21, 44 children from the Home for children deprived of parental care in Dragalevtsi residential district crossed the doorstep of the Ariston Rooms – a project initiated and sponsored by Indesit Company Bulgaria. The graduation work of six students in the National Art Academy in Design for Children's Ambiance was to create a unique play ambiance in line with the age and needs of the young inmates. The effect was incredible. These misfortunate children rejoiced at the view of their future homes, which resembled art works with their painted walls. All of a sudden, brightness and beauty filled their souls. Mrs. Alena Georgieva, Director General of Indesit Company Bulgaria said: “We are happy to help for the improvement of the conditions in which the children in this home live and play. Through the Ariston initiative we want to bring them joy and we hope that they all find families to grow up in, loved and happy.”

Neli Kostadinova

From the Goethe Museum to Crystal Palace Hotel

The road between these two destinations was traveled by the message borne by a plant. Its name is Ginko Biloba and the German poet has dedicated to it a deeply emotional poem, which along with a herbarium is displayed before the visitors of the museum in Weimar. On April 12 in the Crystal Palace Hotel in Sofia, this same plant was presented in another form. The skillful specialists from the international company Bayersdorf have drawn out an extract from the leaves of the Ginko Biloba, blended it with the stimulating ursol acid and obtained a unique combination – the newest cosmetic series Modeliance of Eucerin.

Precisely these products were the object of the special presentation made by doctor Tsakov, who emphasized that nowhere in the world has another series used the same combination. It has the effect of smoothing the wrinkles after the age of 35 and uplifting the self-confidence of the ladies who strive to do the best for themselves and their beauty. They are inspired by the poets but also by the reasonable explanations of the dermatologists who recommend medical cosmetics in preference to the normal one because of the content of medical substances which are highly effective for the skin. And every woman dreams of keeping it young for as long as possible. Maybe as long as the age of Goethe's herbarium. May God grant it to all!

Valentina Fashion House – self-confidence without compromises

It was founded 12 years ago in Sofia, but the luxury men's ware it produced quickly found a hearty welcome in Czechia and Austria. On the Bulgarian market the Valentina trademark became a symbol of high quality and modern design, combined with intransient classicism. Staking on perfect cut and quality materials, the fashion house won competitions for the outfits of corporate clients such as the pilot staff of Bulgaria Air, Hemus Air, the exquisite tailcoats of the orchestra of the Bulgarian National Radio. Thanks to the wide distribution in a chain of stores in Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna, the trademark is worn by refined men, businessmen, doctors, lawyers, trade representatives throughout Bulgaria.

Valentina won recognition also among the competitive fashion circles. It participated in the Bulgarian Fashion Forum and in other prestigious presentations. In 1999 the designer Valentina Zahova was nominated for the biggest prize, The Golden Needle.

For 8 years now Valentina fashion house has been developing the services tailoring to measure and to etalon, thanks to which its regular customers can enjoy the convenience of ordering suits on the phone with complete trust that they will be perfect to the last detail. Elegant dinner-jackets and tailcoats can be made by special order. The fabrics are chosen among a large cartel of materials and colors from the most famous textile mills in Italy.

Anyone who wishes can get highly professional consultancy from the designer Valentina Zahova. And everyone who has worn a Valentina suit becomes a Valentina fan.

Sofia, 36 Alabin St., tel.: 865 85 26; 0899 971 636