Pink Ribbon Gala 2025

Pink Ribbon Gala 2025

Have you ever seen that Zurich, once a year, becomes pink for the Pink Ribbon Run?

Well, there is a winter sequel to that fun too, but much more chilled.

Last night I found myself at a breathtaking venue — the The Dolder Grand — for the 2025 edition of the Pink Ribbon Schweiz Gala. Soft lights, elegant gowns, the gentle clinking of glasses — and the real magic: a concert that made hearts melt, inner disco-divas awaken, and goose-bumps dance across the skin.

When I bought my ticket, I didn’t just pay for an evening of glamour. I bought a chance to enjoy and, most importantly, to help. Because Pink Ribbon Schweiz remains devoted to supporting breast-cancer research and raising awareness with dignity and love. And a concert too!

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Emotions on stage

I freely admit: I’m a sucker for strong emotions. So when I heard Jesse Ritch and Tiziana Gulino sing “I Belong to You”, it felt for a moment like the legendary Eros Ramazzotti was singing directly to me. The duet floated through the Dolder’s halls — to me, I am sure!

Later, an Italian researcher took the stage to speak about her team’s groundbreaking work: helping women emerge from cancer not just as survivors, but with full health — fertility included. She revealed that 440 children had been born as part of the study. Hope echoed louder than any note. She’s my hero – and her Italian accents was so charming!

Then came the voice of Sven Epiney — no easy task to bring a Swiss audience, often discreet and reserved, to life in fewer than two minutes. But he knows exactly how to do it with cheerfulness and grace.

He spoke about the heart behind it all: Nicole Zindel. Someone joked she was “mother” to the whole team — Sven corrected with a grin: “She’s our big sister.” And in that moment I saw it too: Nicole — slender, petite, seemingly delicate — but powered by the strength of an engine. She keeps the creative energy light and playful while delivering meaning and managing it all with warmth.

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From dinner to generosity

After good food and heartfelt music came the auction. A magnificent pink tourmaline by Bucherer was auctioned off. : Marc-André Schuler of Bucherer ran from guest to guest, showing the stone’s size and beauty. When the hammer fell at 13,500 CHF, the applause was real — and the money meaningful.

And then: when Fabienne Louves stepped on stage, glittering in a full sequin suit,  to sing “I Will Survive”, I was struck by how casually she mentioned that she is herself a breast-cancer survivor. In that moment I thought: what an inspiring evening. I felt privileged, uplifted — deeply moved by these people.

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Why Pink Ribbon Schweiz matters

Pink Ribbon Schweiz has been active since 2007 — turning the pink ribbon, the universal symbol of breast-cancer awareness, into a real force for change across the country. Over the years, thanks to events like the Gala, the Charity Walk, and other solidarity initiatives, they have donated over 3.35 million Swiss francs to vital breast-cancer research and support projects.

The funds go to awareness campaigns, screening projects, patient support, and promising studies — such as those aimed at preserving quality of life, fertility, and dignity for young survivors.

Through every pink ribbon, every donation, every ticket — each participant becomes part of a larger community of compassion, science, solidarity, and hope.

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My night — and why I came home smiling

At the end of the evening I stepped out into the night carrying more than a memory. I carried a sense of privilege. My healthy body, my pink dress, the echoes of music still lingering in my ears, the stories etched in my mind — and a healthy, beating heart.

I went home with a smile, lighter than I’ve felt in a long while.

Because sometimes — just sometimes — joy, generosity, glamour and purpose dance together on the same floor.

And when they do: life feels just a little brighter. Let’s wear our ribbons with pride!