Over 100 guests came together at the Salles de Pologne in Leipzig on Saturday to send out a strong signal against esophageal cancer. Touching moments, great willingness to donate and moving performances made the evening an emotional highlight - and showed how important the commitment of the past six years is for research.
An evening that gives courage
The 6th Barrett Charity Dinner took place in the festively lit Salles de Pologne in Leipzig on Saturday - an evening that impressively showed what is possible when commitment, science and humanity come together. Over 100 guests from the worlds of business, politics, culture and science accepted the invitation and made the charity event a special moment in the fight against oesophageal cancer.
An important milestone was highlighted once again: A total of over €820,000 has already been raised for Barrett's research over the past six years. These funds flow directly into scientific projects, staff positions and new therapeutic approaches - a crucial building block for improving diagnoses and further developing treatments.
Generous donations and moving words
On this evening, too, a great deal of support was evident. Sparda-Bank Berlin handed over a cheque for 45,000 euros - an amount from the lottery savings, where one euro per ticket is donated to social and medical projects. Uwe Leonhardt, Managing Director of the Leonhardt Group and patron of the Barrett Initiative e.V., contributed an additional 20,000 euros from his private assets. His commitment has been a key driver of the initiative for years.
Presentation of the donation cheque for 45,000 euros (Image: Marcus Hartelt)
Dr. René Thieme, who conducts intensive research into oesophageal cancer at Leipzig University Hospital, explained how valuable this support is. Over the past 20 years, the chances of survival have risen from just 2-5 percent to over 40 percent - progress that "would not have been conceivable" without continuous research, he emphasized.
Artistic highlights that touched the heart
The charity dinner offered a top-class programme, charmingly hosted by MDR presenter Anja Petzold.
Musical highlights included:
- Jacqueline Boulanger & Band, who delighted the audience with jazz and international flair.
- 2Lounge, who presented an elegant mix of classical and lounge music.
- Professor Milko Kersten & Florian Mayer, who offered subtle moments of classical music on the grand piano and violin.
- Valentin Kuhn, who created emotional soundscapes with pop and soul elements.
A little star who triggered big emotions
One of the most moving moments of the evening belonged to 11-year-old Bjarne, known from The Voice Kids and as the German representative at the Junior ESC 2024.
With his extraordinary voice, his naturalness and his radiant appearance, he touched the audience deeply. Although he was the youngest on stage, he captivated the audience with his astonishing presence - a performance that will live long in the memory.
Bjarne on stage at the 6th Charity Dinner in Leipzig (Image: Marcus Hartelt)
Commitment that changes lives
The traditional silent auction, led by Philipp Richter, also once again helped to support the initiative. With his poetic rendition of the poem "Wunderland", he created a quiet, intense moment that rounded off the evening.
The 6th Barrett Charity Dinner showed once again: when many people stand together with their hearts and souls over many years, something great is created. The Barrett Initiative e.V. thus makes a very concrete contribution to improving the lives of patients - today and in the future.
