On Saturday, 30th May, the Raymond Nicolet Trust was delighted to host its Fifth Gala Dinner in the magnificent Fellows' Dining Room at Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge. It was an unforgettable evening celebrating generosity, friendship, and our shared commitment to transforming lives through education.

We were honoured to welcome over 30 guests, including many loyal supporters who travelled from London and beyond to join us. Your presence, encouragement, and belief in our mission continue to inspire everything we do.

Since the Raymond Nicolet Trust was founded in 2018, we have remained committed to one simple belief: that education is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, the Trust has now raised more than £55,000 and supported six schools across Serbia, helping to refurbish libraries and classrooms, provide sports equipment, purchase a school transport van, supply a patient-care simulator for nursing students, and improve learning environments for hundreds of children.

This year's Gala Dinner focused on raising funds for Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj School in Pancevo, where urgent improvements are needed to create a safer, healthier, and more inspiring environment for pupils and teachers alike. Every pound raised will help provide children with better opportunities to learn, grow, and fulfil their potential.

We were privileged to hear an inspiring after-dinner talk from Mrs Sophia Parnell, who shared her personal story of resilience, overcoming hardship, and pursuing her passion. Her moving reflections reminded us all of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up.

The evening also featured our much-anticipated raffle and auction, made possible by the extraordinary generosity of our supporters. Our sincere thanks go to:

Mrs Tatjana Mitevska for generously donating a three-night stay at Villa Sofia in Zvinjece, Herceg Novi, Montenegro.

Dr Jon Thackray for donating a three-night stay at Villa The Old Violet Farm in the South of France.

Mr Michael Fuller for his beautiful professional photograph.

Mrs Slavica Plemic for her original paintings.

Mrs Marina Rossmann & Lavenham Dental Practice for donating a dental hygiene voucher.

Mrs Zelda Putter & Cottenham Dental Practice for generously donating a professional dental hygiene visit.

Mrs Vesna Goldsworthy for donating two signed copies of Iron Curtain.

Mrs Gorana Sipetic for donating three one-hour Vortex Reiki sessions.

Mrs Ellie Loaring for donating Violin lessons.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who attended, donated prizes, purchased raffle tickets, and supported our fundraising efforts, we are delighted to announce that the evening raised £1,071. Every penny will go directly towards improving the learning environment at Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj School in Pancevo, helping to create safer, healthier, and more inspiring spaces where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteer charity team, whose hard work behind the scenes made the evening possible. As always, every member of the Raymond Nicolet Trust gives their time voluntarily, ensuring that 100% of every donation goes directly to the schools and children we support.

Our sincere gratitude also goes to our donors, sponsors, journalists, businesses, and every individual who continues to champion our mission. Your generosity, kindness, and trust allow us to keep making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people in Serbia.

Finally, to every guest who shared this special evening with us: thank you. Your presence was far more than attendance; it was a powerful demonstration of compassion, solidarity, and hope.

Together, we are proving that kindness changes lives.

Together, we are building brighter futures.

And together, one child, one school, and one opportunity at a time, we are creating a lasting legacy through education.

Thank you for believing in the work of the Raymond Nicolet Trust. We look forward to welcoming you again next year.