Report by Darius Kadivar from
Paris
Paris -
Former Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran presided the annual Gala of IFRAD (
International Fund Raising for Alzheimer Disease) on Monday November
14th, 2005 at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris. Animated by
mediator Véronique de Villèle also present was
the French Minister of Culture Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, actor Alain Delon and
tv anchor Journalist presentator Claire Chazal. The gala dinner was followed by
an international dance show including Iranian Derviche Dancer Shahrokh Mosh Kim
Ghalam, Phase T (Hip Hop), Argentine Tango and the Celtic Dance Company.
French Star Alain Delon and
Empress Farah at the Gala presided by her Majesty
© PDV
IFRAD
offers researchers on the alzheimer disease a unique oppurtunity to exchange
data, and biology ressources as well as an international vision that will give a
new dynamic to the different projects undertaken.
Mr. Donnedieu
de Vabres alerted the audience that
"All French Families will soon be touched by this disease. In 50 years,
the number of patients could well be trippled. Already 80, 000 people are
concerned in France; that is a 30% increase in 10
years."
Each table was
purchased 3,500 euros by large companies and generous donators. An auction
conferred to Mr. Jean Pierre Cornette Saint Cyr, was organized towards the end
of the evening. Last year IFRAD collected 670 000 euros.
Her Majesty
made the following opening speach in French:
"Ladies
and Gentlemen,
I
belong to a country with an ancient civilization and culture. In my country
elder people are particularly taken care of, respected and listened to. To
protect and look after them is nearly a sacred duty.
It
is with this Persian spirit that I immediately accepted the offer made to me by
Professors Safavian, Bruno Dubois, and Doctor Ladoucette to join you at this
Gala evening for the benefit of research on Alzheimers.
Alzheimer's
disease is a real plague that by its magnitude, its mutation, has an impact on
the personality and dignity of patients and sheds on their families a terrible
pain. It is therefore all the more important to encourage the pioneers of
neuroscience, to support researchers who deserve and need help. It is our duty and that is why we are
here tonight to fullfill this noble cause.
May
I end my speach with this poem by one of our greatest Persian poets Sa'adi
"Human beings are all members of one
body.
They are created from the same essence.
When one member is in
pain,
The others cannot rest.
If you do not care about the pain of
others,
You do not deserve to be called a human being."
-Saadi
Shirazi
I
would like to wish the IRFAD Foundation success and I wish you all a very good
evening."
During the
auction French Star Alain Delon ( Il Guepardo, The Clan of Sicilians, Samourai)
famous for his film portayals in the 60's and 70's ( who was highly popular in
Iran before the revolution with co-Star Jean Paul Belmondo) acquired for 13 000 euros a painting by
contemporary artist Ben which he graciously offered to Empress Farah. Amongst
the 500 guests were also present Monique Pelletier
and Francis Mer, actress Mireille Darc and comedian Jean-Pierre Marielle, as
well as businessman Walter Butler.
About
the Author: Darius KADIVAR
is a freelance journalist and film reviewer born to an Iranian father and French
mother. He works and lives in France.
