On a sparkling November evening in Milan, the timeless elegance of the five-star luxury Hotel Palazzo Parigi became the stage for a celebration of generosity, resilience and hope. “Ascolta e Vivi” Christmas Gala, held on November 28, 2025, gathered more than 200 prestigious guests from across Italy and abroad for a charity event dedicated to a simple yet powerful mission: helping children and adults with hearing impairments to listen to the world that surrounds them.
Under the guidance of President Loredana Lechiancole and with the precious presence of the association’s Patroness Paola Neri, the evening unfolded as a seamless blend of refinement and heartfelt engagement. Palazzo Parigi, with its grand halls, refined décor and discreet sense of luxury, offered the perfect setting for such an occasion. The warm glow of chandeliers, the polished marble and the meticulous service created an atmosphere where glamour and purpose could coexist in perfect harmony. From the very first moments of the evening, it was clear that this was a heartfelt encounter between philanthropy and style.
For over 25 years, Ascolta e Vivi Association has been committed to transforming the lives of people living with hearing loss, with particular attention to children. Its work spans Italy and the Global South, combining prevention, care, training and access to hearing support. The Gala provided an opportunity to highlight this long and patient journey, while inviting guests to become part of its next chapter.
In Italy, the association’s efforts are focused on young people, thanks to the “Information and Hearing Protection” programme, delivered in secondary schools throughout the country. Led by audioprosthetist and volunteer Danilo Buschi, this initiative engages students through practical activities, encouraging them to adopt listening habits that safeguard their hearing. Rather than relying on abstract warnings, the programme speaks the language of the younger generation, using interactivity to turn awareness into everyday behaviour.
Beyond national borders, it has built a strong and respectful presence in Africa and Latin America. Here, the association supports local doctors and technicians by donating equipment, sharing specialised expertise and promoting early diagnosis of childhood deafness. One recent example is the mission to Kenya in February 2025, when Buschi and the association’s founder, Luca Del Bo, travelled to train local professionals in paediatric hearing-aid fitting. Their work continues: in February 2026, the team will return to the Kibarani School for the Deaf in Kilifi, together with volunteer speech therapist Sara Cavicchiolo, to further assist teachers and foster spoken-language learning pathways.
The Gala audience was visibly moved by the story of this school, which has also benefited from the reconstruction of its perimeter wall, destroyed by flooding, and from the donation of 17 solar lamps with motion sensors to improve safety on the premises. Yet it was a single young man who crystallised the meaning of the evening: Simon. Simon’s tale, shared with the guests through an emotional video, traced his journey from a deaf student at the Kibarani School to a silver medallist at the Deaflympics in Tokyo. It began when his teacher alerted Danilo to his lack of proper training shoes and sportswear. What followed was a chain of modest but decisive acts of kindness: a pair of spiked running shoes, a tracksuit, and some basic equipment.
These seemingly small gestures allowed Simon to compete in the Nairobi trials, qualify and ultimately represent Kenya on the world stage. His triumph, captured on screen and in the hearts of those present, symbolised the essence of Ascolta e Vivi’s philosophy: that even the smallest intervention can open a path that would otherwise remain closed.
Palazzo Parigi’s staff curated a flawless welcome, while the host, DJ and performer Fabrizio Minuz infused the event with rhythm and warmth. Between musical interludes, personal testimonies and moments of reflection, the Gala became a living expression of solidarity, far removed from formality for its own sake.
The more than 200 distinguished guests: entrepreneurs, professionals, personalities from culture and the arts, and supporters arriving from various Italian cities and from abroad—responded with generosity and enthusiasm. Their presence alone was a powerful endorsement of Ascolta e Vivi’s work; their contributions will help sustain projects that ensure more children can receive a diagnosis in time, more teachers can be trained, and more families can witness their sons and daughters taking their first steps into a world of sound.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all the sponsors whose generous support made this extraordinary evening possible.
As the evening drew to a close and the lights of Palazzo Parigi shimmered against the Milanese night, one feeling prevailed: gratitude. Gratitude for the progress already made, for the trust placed in the association, and for the possibility of continuing to build bridges between those who can give and those who are waiting to be heard.
In this encounter lies the true magic of the Ascolta e Vivi Christmas Gala, a winter night in which elegance becomes a vehicle for compassion, and a beautiful setting becomes the backdrop to lives quietly, profoundly changed.
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Article edited by Massimo Basile
Editor & Founder