This year’s party is a twist on previous Mimosa charity events. Held for the first time at the exclusive L’Ecrin Plage club in Cannes, which also hosts Calvin Klein’s annual soirée, it promises to be quite simply the hottest ticket in town.
Founded by a group of eight expat women in 2013 who have all been touched in some way by cancer, Mimosa activities have rapidly expanded into a year-round fundraising effort encompassing a myriad of events, including two gala fundraising spring balls, a pub quiz and clothes sale held in March, a children’s Mini-Mimosa 2km-run in Nice on April 23rd and a team run in November’s Nice-Cannes Marathon.
Ladies who launched charity: Eight expats set up “Mimosa” in 2013: (L-R): Marilen Kenington, Juliette Clarkin, Ellie Goblet d’Alviella, Gemma Bishop, Sara Parks, Sophie James, Emma Nyman, Anissa Perkins.
The combined events have raised an impressive total of over €100,000 for La Ligue Contre le Cancer, a nationwide charity which offers complementary therapy and support to cancer sufferers and their families. These funds led directly to the opening of a second Alpes-Maritimes Espace Ligue last autumn, which provides massage, reflexology and friendly advice in the heart of Antibes.
Along with CSG06 (Cancer Support Group 06) and the yachting charity bike ride COGS4CANCER, which has raised over €700,000 since its inception, Mimosa has been instrumental in raising awareness and support for cancer sufferers on the Riviera among the international community.
CSG06 and La Ligue are in talks to further extend services to the English-speaking community at the centre in Antibes.
Committee member Ellie Goblet d’Alviella said, “We have a fresh new look this year with a glamorous venue for our Mimosa Cocktail at L’Ecrin and our recently unveiled new logo by Pure Design International. We are confident that this year’s Mimosa Cocktail will offer just as much fun and glamour as the previous gala balls.
“We are completely overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses on the Riviera, who have offered prizes and sponsorship at previous events.”
Past sponsors of the balls and the marathon include Currencies Direct, Blue Square, Blevins Frank, Ma Nolans and Colgan’s Brewery.
Once again, celebrated local trio Lizzy and The Gentlemen will be performing a capella at the champagne reception for 200 on the beach, before DJ Thomas Dusseune takes to the decks to get everyone on the dance floor.
A once in a lifetime experience donated by luxury lifestyle and bespoke travel experts Greenbird is among the unique prizes in the silent auction, as well as nude charcoal drawings by locally-based artist Chris Savage and an Antony Parks painting of the Cannes coastline. All funds raised by the auction and raffle will help to run Espace Ligue as well as segue out to other worthy cancer related causes in the region.
Adds Ellie, “With one in two people now touched by cancer, we have to work together to consign this terrible disease to the history books. Joining forces with the other groups and adding to our roster of events will hopefully help us to make a real difference.”
To donate a prize, become a sponsor or find out more about tickets, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
