Open and cordial Amsterdam Dinner full of celebrities | Stan Huygens Journal
Many acquaintances came to show their support in AFAS Live in Amsterdam, from ministers Liesje Schreinemacher (Development Cooperation) and Mark Harbers (Infrastructure) with his partner Bart Rövekamp and Princess Margarita, to ex-football player Evgeniy Levchenko, singer Wende (Snijders), TV wife Eva Jinek and TV man Humberto Tan, who won the prize this evening because of his personal commitment to HIV.
Minister Mark Harbers, Femke Halsema, State Secretary Gunay Uslu and Brandon O’Dell.
Photo De Telegraaf
Singer Wende (Snijders) was in the audience with her friend, creative producer Wouter van Ransbeek.
The Telegraph
Of the 1.7 million children living with HIV worldwide, half are not receiving life-saving medicines. Every day 300 children die from the effects of AIDS, mainly in Africa. “AIDS is the number one cause of death among women between the ages of 18 and 49,” said presenter Giovanna Ostiana. The dinner supports the approach in Zambia and Kenya and finances an emergency fund for Ukraine, where 260,000 people live with HIV. Their lives depend on medicines, which are difficult to obtain, especially among refugees.
From left to right Aids Fonds employees Martine Weve and Maureen Sellmeijer with Pien and Erwin van Lambaart. He stepped down as Holland Casino CEO and he was chairman of the Amsterdam Diner for 12 years. “The first year after that we wanted to be there,” he said. “We are open and down for a day from Vienna, where we live now.” Being chairman, also standing in line, turned out to be in front of the entrance to Afas Live.
Photo De Telegraaf
Afas Live was sold out. The next dinner will be on June 10, 2023.
Photo Remy Sapuletej
On the official evening, Sunday 220 volunteers served food from catering Vermaat, Maggie MacNeal immediately set the tone with her compelling song Amsterdam, Amsterdam with which she became fifth in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980.
“Amsterdam is deeply connected to the fight against HIV and AIDS,” Mayor Femke Halsema said in a spoken speech. “This is a battle we share: right to self-determination! Access to medicines! Freedom!” There was a thunderous applause in response.
Just like Duncan Laurence with his Eurovision success song from 2019.
Duncan Laurence enthused the audience with his flawless singing.
Photo Remy Sapuletej
“Tonight we celebrate our freedom and our openness,” said Brandon O’Dell, the new director of the diner, which was celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. “Enjoy and give!”
The new chairman Roel Veltmeijer, in a candid speech, mentioned his own infection and the stigma that still hangs around HIV and AIDS. How difficult it is, especially outside of Amsterdam, to admit that you have it. And to get the right resources. Here too: “Now 95 percent can receive treatment in the Netherlands. But here too there are still people who are viewed too late.”
Roel Veltmeijer.
Photo Remy Sapuletej
The Eurovision celebration was completed by the Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra, which won this year. Marc Putman, initiator of the OUTtv channel, managed to tie the band together. “All Euro countries gave their 12 points, except for Serbia and Albania,” he said. “That is a message to Putin that is being sent to him by governments, but by the entire European people themselves!”
Marc Putman (l.), from OUT tv, with Sander Allegro, director of QL Hotels.
Photo De Telegraaf
From left to right Boudewijn Leereveld, software man Georg Kramer and his fiancée, dentist Karin van Nugten.
Photo De Telegraaf
Amsterdam Dinner party manager Mireille Kemp (l.) with dinner guest Anouk van As.
Photo De Telegraaf
“Together we can move mountains!”, wrote Princess Mabel, who has supported the Amsterdam Diner since the first hour. “The stigma has to be eradicated, there has to be more political will and there has to be money. And that’s what it’s all about now!”
Amsterdam showed itself from the best side.