AAM Gala In Düsseldorf A Resounding Success

On May 28th, AAM held its first European Benefit Gala in Düsseldorf, Germany.  The star studded event was hosted by AAM’s Patron/Goodwill Ambassador Sir Paul McCartney, with artists Anoushka Shankar, The German Pop Orchestra and Hans Klok performing between the courses of a vegetarian meal which the German press described as, "better than other gala dinners - vege or not!" 

The main event ended with a brilliant performance by Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens), the first time Mr. Islam has performed in Europe in more than twenty five years.   His performance ended in an impromptu duet with Paul McCartney on ‘All You Need Is Love.’ Paul and Yusuf then performed an inspired version of ‘Let It Be.’ The Gala finished with a party featuring Bonnie Tyler, German artist Valentine and The Weather Girls.

"The evening wasn‘t just about having a great time," said Adopt-A-Minefield UK‘s Director, Keith Kelly, "It was also about raising funds to clear landmines and help landmine survivors. "This message was presented movingly by Heather Mills McCartney, in a speech and a film about Adopt-A-Minefield’s work."  Other brief speeches highlighted various aspects of the landmine problem, called upon all governments to sign the mine ban treaty, and encouraged everyone to play a part in ridding the world of landmines.

The Gala raised over €115,000 for mine action projects and the media coverage generated by the event will help raise awareness of the global landmine crisis across Europe.   The attendees include celebrities such as Dame Jane Goodall, Mr. Robin Gibb, Mr. Boris Becker, Ms Katarina Witt, Ms Anoushka Shankar, Ms Nadja Auermann, Mr. Pierre Brice, Ms Waris Dirie, Ms. Nina Ruge, Ms Bonnie Tyler, and Mr. Klaus Voormann.   It also created many new dedicated ambassadors to the cause, who will join other landmine campaigners in spreading the word about the need for a concerted effort to save lives from these most indiscriminate of weapons.