Ankara, December 23 – The Young Entrepreneurship and Governance Association (GGYD) held its traditional New Year’s Eve gala at the Ankara Sheraton Hotel, attracting distinguished guests from Ankara’s business, political, sports, and social circles, as well as representatives from various non-governmental organizations and embassies. The event successfully raised 1.5 million Turkish Lira for its ‘Growing Water Lilies Education Support Fund’.
Prominent Figures Attend Gala
The star-studded evening saw the attendance of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) Mayor Mansur Yavaş and his wife Nursen Yavaş, Gölbaşı Mayor Yakup Odabaşı, Ankara City Council (AKK) President Halil İbrahim Yılmaz, Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen’s Foundation (TÜSİAV) President Veli Sarıtoprak, GGYD members, and various business leaders. Renowned musicians Melek Mosso and Serkan Kaya performed, bringing hope to the attendees as they welcomed the year 2026.
Nezih Allıoğlu, Chairman of GGYD, expressed pride in the fund’s growth: “We have further expanded our ‘Growing Water Lilies Education Support Fund,’ which is the apple of our eye. We are proud to have increased the number of students receiving scholarships to 300. Supporting the education of our youth will remain one of our primary missions in 2026. I wish for 2026 to be a year where wars end and peace prevails globally, and for our country, a year full of abundance, hope, and success.”
Charity Auction Raises Significant Funds
During the event, famous singer Melek Mosso generously donated the stage dress designed by Tolga Çam that she wore, to be auctioned for the ‘Growing Water Lilies Education Support Fund’. Mosso stated, “I am very, very happy to be part of such a partnership. You are wonderful people, I congratulate and applaud you.” The dress, starting at 50,000 Lira, was sold for 500,000 Lira to a philanthropic businessperson.
Singer Serkan Kaya, also performing at the gala, contributed to the cause by donating a silver rosary to support the education of 300 female students. Kaya shared the personal significance of the item: “My rosary collection started eight years ago with this rosary. Now I have a considerable rosary collection, but this rosary is lucky for me; I want to give this silver rosary, which I have not parted with for eight years, to one of you.” Kaya initiated the bidding with 100,000 Lira, adding, “This rosary was with me when I wrote the song ‘Mesele,’ so it has a special memory.” Serkan Kaya’s rosary was eventually purchased for 1 million Lira through the auction. The combined proceeds from the dress and the rosary, totaling 1.5 million Lira, will be allocated to the education of the 300 female students supported by the association.
The funds raised will directly benefit the ‘Growing Water Lilies Education Support Fund’, enabling 300 young women to pursue their educational dreams. This initiative highlights GGYD’s ongoing commitment to fostering education and empowering the next generation.
Source: http://mobil.hurriyet.com.tr/yerel-haberler/ankara/1-5-milion-lira-toplandı-gecenin-geliri-niluferlere-43062914
