Alba (Italy), 15/11/2016
On last Friday, November 4 some of Italian excellence in hospitality, design, luxury and food&wine, have been the stars in Los Angeles at the 26th annual gala evening “La Grande Affaire”, entitled "From truffle to table - A journey through the Piedmont" during which has taken place a prestigious charity auction to support the "California Hospital Medical Center Foundation”.
The initiative has been led by Bespoqe Travel, an Italian luxury incoming tour operator, which brought together not only three major hotels belonging to the association Relais & Châteaux, such as Relais San Maurizio (in Langhe region), Villa Crespi of patron Antonino Cannavacciuolo (on the shores of Lake Orta) and L'Albereta (in Franciacorta region), but also main companies symbols of Made-in-Italy as Damiani jewels, Riva Yacht, Alessi and Eataly, in addition to the wine estates Ceretto and Bellavista
Thanks to their cooperation, Bespoqe has been able to create a unique and unrepeatable journey through Northern Italy (defined by the organization itself "once-in-a-lifetime journey") that has been auctioned for charity as the most important item of the evening, where have been present more than 600 distinguished guests, including city’s top business leaders, dignitaries, philanthropists, healthcare professionals, friends and supporters of the Foundation, many of whom are high-net worth individuals, avid travelers, and food and wine aficionados.
"We really believe in the fundamental importance of networking," says Christian Petruccelli, owner of Bespoqe "aware that it's not every day the opportunity to show the many aspects of Italian style so famous in the world. That is why we proudly accepted this challenge and in the organization of this itinerary we involved some excellent brands, with which we collaborate that sincerely replied with enthusiasm".
In fact, the couple of lucky (and wealthy) donors who have won the trip, raising blow for blow with other generous participants, will have the opportunity to enjoy three dinners in Michelin starred restaurants: Guido da Costigliole, the above-mentioned Antonino Cannavacciuolo and Casa Vicina, the in-store restaurant at Eataly in Turin, where they will be greeted with a tailored culinary tour.
Guests will also be welcomed within three great iconic Companies of Italian design and luxury: from Damiani in Valenza, where they will have the opportunity to follow the entire creation process of the precious jewels (but they will also be coddled in the Via Monte Napoleone boutique in Milan), to the headquarters of Alessi, the brand symbol of Italian industrial design, and finally to the Riva Yatch shipyard, where will experience the thrill of a ride on Lake Iseo on board of one of the wonderful speedboats that have made the history of the Italian boats.
"Having together the three Relais & Châteaux hotels, where in the renowned Spas the guests will be pampered with personalized treatments, is something that fills us with pride," said Marilena Cerrato, co-founder of Bespoqe. "Likewise also must mention the generosity of the Ceretto and Moretti families, who will open the doors of their wine properties: the Monsordo Bernardina in Alba, capital of the Langhe of Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and Bellavista in Erbusco, in the heart of Franciacorta sparkling wine region".
A great entrepreneurial and philanthropic initiative, to demonstrate that charity and luxury need not be mutually exclusive.