LCCUK Charity Ball with the Rimantas Kaukėnas Foundation: an evening that brought our community together for a great cause

On 29 November in London, at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, the annual LCCUK Charity Ball took place, dedicated to supporting the children cared for by the Rimantas Kaukėnas Charity Foundation in Lithuania.

The event was held under the patronage of the Lithuanian Ambassador, Asta Radikaitė, and among the distinguished guests was the Mayor of the City of Westminster, Paul Dimoldenberg.

The evening opened with welcome remarks from LCCUK President Laura Budrienė, Rimantas Kaukėnas – founder of the Rimantas Kaukėnas Charity Foundation – and Father Petras Tverijonas, inviting everyone to come together for a meaningful and heartfelt cause.

In her welcome speech, Laura Budrienė reminded everyone of the meaning of the evening and the purpose that brought us all together:

This is not just a celebration – it is an evening dedicated to children.
We are speaking about their smiles and the hope that can change lives.
This event is part of the long-term and dedicated work of LCCUK and the Foundation.
Caring for children is our shared commitment, and the bond between Lithuanians living in the United Kingdom and Lithuania remains strong.
Thank you all for being here and for your support – the kindness and determination of people give true meaning to this evening.
Lithuania lives not only within us – it is revealed through our actions, our kindness, and our sense of community.

The theme of the evening was inspired by the message of The Little Prince.

This year’s event was symbolically inspired by a message from The Little Prince, reminding us that the most important things are seen with the heart.
The quote “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye” accompanied the entire evening’s programme.

Stories of the Foundation’s heroes and musical performances

During the evening, guests heard the stories of children supported by the Foundation.
On stage, Izabella – a London-based young performer – shared her own song, while the Foundation’s heroes Liepa and Vytis, who travelled from Lithuania, spoke about their journey of friendship and recovery.

The programme was enriched by musical performances from well-known Lithuanian artists –
Monika Liu, Merūnas Vitulskis, and The Roop.
Guests were welcomed by the gentle sounds of the kanklės, performed by London-based musician Emilija Karaliūtė.

The charity auction and the total amount raised

One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the charity auction, where guests bid generously for exclusive prizes and unique experiences.
The items that attracted the greatest interest included:

Dinner with President Valdas Adamkus – £24,000
VIP Real Madrid Experience – £32,000

The auction prizes reflected the generosity of Lithuanian creators and businesses, and their willingness to support the Foundation’s mission.
In total, £133,834.14 was raised to fund children’s treatment, medical examinations, and to help fulfil their dreams.

Acknowledgements

This event would not have been possible without the individuals and organisations who generously contributed their time, resources and talent. LCCUK extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in the success of the evening.

Media Partner

• Londoniete – for promoting the event and providing communication support.

Event Photographers

With gratitude for the beautifully captured moments of the evening:
• Ingrida Veiverytė
• Andrew Maximov
• Dominykas Kazlovas

Their work preserved the genuine emotions, smiles and moments of togetherness that will be remembered for a long time.

Auction Prize Donors

A special thank you to the partners and creators who contributed auction prizes. Their generosity made the auction not only inspiring but also highly successful.
Each donor played a vital role in ensuring the funds raised were significant and that the evening carried depth and meaning.

Auction Prizes and Donors

• Champagne Moutard / Champagne Route London – trip to the Champagne region
• Artist Danguolė Stachura – painting “Artumas”
• Remigijus Kriukas – glass sculpture set “Desert Roses”
• Monte Pacis – overnight stay and degustation dinner with drink pairing at the Monte Pacis wellness complex in the Pažaislis Monastery (for 2 guests)
• Jiesia Porcelain Manufactory – Little Prince coffee set
• Ramunė Burškaitienė – sculptures “Horse” and “Hero”
• NGO “Angelo sparnai” / Ilona Junevičienė – handcrafted angel
• Crystal Daiva – set of 9 fragrances
• Svaja International (Kristina Svajonė Bobs) – vase “Red Sands”
• Eglė Sanatorium (Druskininkai) – overnight stay with breakfast
• St Ermin’s Hotel London – Afternoon Tea for two
• Photographer Rimantas Paškevičius – framed photograph of Vaidotas Valiukevičius
• Financier Perfume – luxury fragrance set
• Teleklinika Kaunas – health screening package for Him & Her
• Cosmetologist Rasa Obniavka – skin rejuvenation procedures
• Coach OSHA KEY – 3-month coaching programme
• Ceramic Artist Jovita Laurušaitė-Navakienė – plate “Guardian of the Grapes”
• Vygaudas Ušackas – limited-edition Donald Trump tie
• Asmik Grigorian – invitation to the opera Manon Lescaut in Barcelona and dinner (for 2)
• Carra Clinic / Dentist Valentina Kvaraciejienė – new smile treatment
• Artist Julija Jankelaitytė – painted self-portrait
• Traveller Aurimas Mockus – pendant worn during his Pacific Ocean crossing
• President Valdas Adamkus – signed book
• Band “Antis” – vinyl record signed by all band members
• Purple Key Property Services –2 VIP tickets to the football match West Ham vs. Bournemouth at London Stadium
• Real Madrid Experience travel package for two

Special Thanks

Our sincere gratitude also goes to the partners who ensured smooth execution of the event:

• TORAS – for safely transporting auction items from Lithuania to the UK
• DK Studio London – for professional makeup and hairstyling
• Darius Lukošius – for technical solutions and on-site support
• Correctus team – for organisational support, programme development and execution

Their behind-the-scenes work was just as important as everything that took place on stage.

Thank You to the Team

LCCUK extends its heartfelt thanks to its team for months of preparation, dedication and commitment.
We also thank the Rimantas Kaukėnas Charity Foundation for their daily mission and continuous work with children.