Research

Charity Gala Dinner 2026 at UEF: Joining Hands to Build Hope for Children and Communities

12/10/2026

On October 10, the Charity Gala Dinner 2026 took place at UEF, bringing together international guests, partners, and enterprise representatives, supported by 50 sponsors, all united in supporting underprivileged children and community development initiatives.

Co-organized by UEF, HUTECH, the non-governmental organization Les Enfants Du Dragon (LEDD), BeLuxCham, and CY Cergy Paris Université, the fundraising gala served as a gathering point for compassionate hearts while fostering meaningful connections between education, culinary arts, and social responsibility.

Connecting education, culinary arts, and social responsibility toward meaningful community values

During the opening session, representatives from UEF and LEDD shared the purpose and significance of the fundraising night, introducing LEDD's ongoing initiatives and the program's community targets. Through these insights, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the story behind every call for support: from childcare needs to essential conditions for improving livelihoods in disadvantaged communities.

Mr. Daniel Verschaere – Representative of Les Enfants Du Dragon, and Prof. Dr. Eric Jose Olmedo Panal – Dean of UEF International Institute, speaking at the event.

The event kicked off with vibrant and colorful artistic performances by UEF students and children from LEDD. The music brought joy to the gathering while creating moments of close connection among participants. As part of the program, networking sessions, jazz performances, and side fundraising activities further expanded opportunities for guests to meet, converse, and align around shared goals.

Children from LEDD performing at the event, adding vibrant colors and emotions to the charity gala.

A standout highlight of Charity Gala Dinner 2026 was the curated menu prepared with the participation of international chefs from high-end restaurants. Behind the fine dining experience offered to guests was a meticulous process of professional coordination, kitchen management, and service execution demanding precision, discipline, and teamwork.

International chefs presenting the menu, delivering a dining experience crafted with care at every stage.

UEF students pursuing Tourism, Restaurant, and Hospitality Management also assisted in the kitchen area, gaining the opportunity to observe operational workflows and learn directly from professional chefs. The real-world event environment exposed students to specific professional requirements, from inter-position coordination to quality assurance at every service stage.

For UEFers pursuing restaurant and culinary arts, this experience connected academic knowledge with practical industry exposure during their studies. They gained clearer insights into the operational rhythm of a high-profile culinary event, learned professional standards, and cultivated a sense of responsibility while collaborating with the team to complete shared tasks. This also represents a meaningful bridge between educational training and community responsibility.

Students from UEF and HUTECH supporting in the kitchen, learning real-world workflows alongside professional chefs.

Charity Gala Dinner 2026 concluded an evening filled with warm encounters, musical melodies, and culinary experiences; however, the program's significance extends toward long-term journeys, caring for underprivileged children, improving community living conditions, and encouraging joint efforts from various organizations and individuals.

For UEF, co-hosting the fundraising dinner with LEDD and BeLuxCham demonstrates social responsibility through concrete connections and actions. The event also underscores the role of a university environment in bringing learners closer to reality, offering students opportunities for professional development while nurturing a spirit of compassion.

Guests networking and connecting with individuals and organizations sharing a passion for community activities.

When education, international cooperation, and philanthropy converge in a single event, the value created transcends the boundaries of a gala night. These are opportunities to mobilize resources, expand learning experiences, and continuously nurture care for children and communities through practical actions.

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