On Thursday night (9th May), Menaye Donkor Muntari hosted a celebrity filled Gala dinner in Milan to raise money for the Menaye Charity Organisation; the charity founded by Menaye to support the welfare of underprivileged children in the Central Region of Ghana.

The money raised last night will be used to provide the Menaye School of Hope with buses, classroom equipment and supplies, food, and extra curricular activities for the pupils. The donations will also help to continue the expansion of the school to accommodate more kids.

The charity Gala dinner at the Teatro Vetra welcomed high profile guests including Italian TV stars, politicians and footballers for a night of entertainment in aid of a good cause. Guest included AC Milan President Adriano Galliani, and manager Massimiliano Allegri, Menaye’s supportive husband Sulley Muntari as well as his teammates Massimo Ambrosini, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Riccardo Montolivo, Giampaolo Pazzini, M’baye Niang, Mattia De Sciglio, and Stephan El Shaarawy.

Italian footballer stars Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Matri, Kwadjo Asamoah, Claudio Marchisio, Bobo Vieri and Filipo Inzaghi were also present to support the cause. Football coach legend José Mourinho sent an emotional video message from Madrid voicing his support for the couple and the great work they are doing to help children in Ghana.

Famous Italian TV presenters Gerry Scotti and Federica Nargi were the hosts of the night. Guests enjoyed performances from international music artist Malika Ayane and Italia’s Got Talent winner Daniel Adomako, and later on danced the night away to a great DJ set from DJ FLASH, a resident dj at the Armani Prive.

Held in collaboration with the Milan Foundation, the event included a charity auction run by Franceso Facchinetti, which featured highly sought after football memorabilia from top European teams, customized diamond encrusted cuff links as well a Moschino outfit worn by Katy Perry.The VIP event also generated funds through sponsorships from Cotril, John Richmond and Giorgetti.

At the event, Menaye Donkor Muntari said:

“I am extremely emotional tonight because never in a million years did I think I would have such high profile guests come together for a cause so close to my heart. I began my charity almost ten years ago and we have been able to change over 500 children’s lives. Growing up, my parents always taught me to share, but what motivates me the most to do what I do, is the innocence in the children I work with. I see my father in every child because just like my dad who came from humble beginnings, he was given a chance in life to be who he is today. Our objective under Menaye Charity Organisation is to change lives and give even just that one child the hope for a brighter future. And I strongly believe that in order to break the cycle of poverty in Africa we must provide quality education!!!
I am very honoured tonight and as my father always says, it’s not where you came from but it’s where you are going…knowledge is power!!!”

The organisation was established by Menaye in 2004 to support the welfare of underprivileged children in the Central Region of Ghana. Through the Menaye Charity Organisation, Menaye is also solely responsible for providing the funds and management of the Menaye School of Hope. The Menaye Charity Organisation provides everything for the school from the physical buildings and equipment through to the teachers’ salaries, uniforms for the students and books and stationery.

Since 2004 the Menaye School of Hope has grown from housing 70 pupils in one block, to teaching over 200 pupils in new purpose built facilities. The school has so far provided education for over 500 children who would otherwise not have had access to an education. The school and its pupils have gained excellent results in the latest BECE examinations and through the Menaye Charity Organisation, the school has recently been provided with a new IT suite and a library.