We started planning months in advance. So we were able to organize wristbands, cups, drink coasters, t-shirts and hoodies with our logo, stickers, info posters, project presentation posters, business cards, flyers, thank you cards, table displays and much more. Thanks to our already long-time helper and logistics student Annika, we always had everything clearly documented and the costs at a glance. A month before the event we started to present it in our newsletter, on our social networks and also to our press contacts. On June 11, the time had come and everything then had to be placed at Gestrandet Mitte. With two hours’ notice (which was very tight), we were able to decorate the beautiful location in the ULT design – colorful, cheerful, full of life.

The event started at 14:00 with our first DJ Max Joni from “Obsolet Records”. The raffle organized by “Less Talking More Dancing” started and the first raffle tickets were sold. We received another message from Bonface, which we were so happy about that we want to share it with you: “I take this opportunity to wish you all the best in our event that’s happening now 😍😍we are together in our hearts 🤗🤗”

Then from 4:00 p.m., people danced to the music of Marvin Jam. Little by little the Gestrandet filled up and every visitor got a red wristband with our logo tied around his/her wrist. At our information and sales booth you could get to know our various projects and learn more about us and our work.

Especially about our ULT Happy Club, which was launched that day. The first members could take their ULT Happy Club mug directly. A membership requires a minimum donation of 10 € per month and the income is intended to enable the sustainable development of our association. In addition, we would like to give something back to our club members for their support (you can find out exactly what that is  here). According to the motto: Happy children, happy members, happy us. Finally, we were able to present our Volunteer Guide, which should make it easier for future volunteers to prepare for their time in the Soweto Slum. At 6:00 p.m. C’mon started its music program. Again, there was a lot of dancing and more raffle tickets were sold among the visitors.

Before A.D.H.S. started to make our guests and us dance from 8:00 p.m., Lea introduced our association and thanked all present for coming. With the help of our local team, the children in Nairobi recorded a few voice messages, which we happily played back. Our children were with us all the time on our posters, with their voices and in our hearts.
At 10:00 p.m. the winners of our raffle could pick up their prizes and we were very happy about the happy faces of the winners.
Since we never want to forget our first live event, the event was captured by a videographer (Yves) and a photographer (Elias). We are very happy about the
wonderful video of the Benefiz Open Air and the great photos.