Proceeds from Russian Charity Ball 2003 in Germany to Fund Talented Children of Saint Petersburg

In 2003 proceeds from the annual Russian Charity Ball in Germany will for the first time go towards funding talented children in Saint Petersburg. This was announced on Monday, December 16, by Chairperson of the International Club of Petersburgers Valentina Orlova, speaking about the club's upcoming events abroad. She said that previously the proceeds from these balls had only gone towards funding children from Moscow.

After the annual ball, which will be held in Germany in February 2003, the club will also travel to Paris, Leipzig, Berlin and other cities for meetings and events. Ms Orlova added that several German funds had already applied for membership in the international club. 'The aim and purpose of our travels is to increase awareness of Saint Petersburg and Russian culture not only among Russian emigres but among all people of the world,' she said.

The club's last trip abroad on November 11 to London was a part of the exhibition 'An open Russia'.