Ibiza & Formentera Preservation held its annual charity dinner yesterday at Playa Soleil, an event that brought together 130 guests—all of whom are supporters and friends of the foundation—for a night of solidarity in support of the future of the Pitiusas. Throughout the evening, 233,599 euros were raised, which the organization will use to fund the more than 20 projects it is carrying out in five strategic areas for the environmental conservation and regeneration of Ibiza and Formentera.
During his speech, the foundation’s president, Philip Muelder, highlighted some of the organization’s recent achievements, including the planting of more than 1,500 fruit trees to support the agricultural sector and regenerate soils and landscapes, the removal of hundreds of invasive snakes from areas of special biodiversity value (with the aim of protecting the Pitiusan lizard), educational initiatives aimed at residents, students, teachers, and culinary professionals to reduce food waste, and efforts to improve the monitoring and protection of Posidonia seagrass beds. “All of us here share a common love for these islands, and we have come together to turn that bond into action. We want to bring about real change and have a tangible impact on the ground,” said Muelder, who emphasized that donations are essential to sustaining the organization’s work.
For her part, the executive director of Ibiza & Formentera Preservation, Inma Saranova, highlighted the commitment that each donation represents for the team. “Raising this amount in a single night means we can continue to turn our donors’ trust into concrete projects. Behind this figure are people who believe in what we do, and for our team, that implies a huge responsibility: ensuring that every contribution has a real and meaningful impact on the islands,” she emphasized. “We couldn’t do any of this without your help. Your support allows us to take a long-term view and tackle new challenges,” she added.
The organization’s co-founder, Serena Cook, also spoke during the dinner, which was hosted by two of the foundation’s ambassadors: Danny Whittle, CEO of Chinois and artist manager, and Juan Suárez, journalist, writer, and communications expert. “The foundation is now much more than we ever dreamed it would be 18 years ago. We have supported more than 60 projects, but there is still much to be done, and that is why we need to continue counting on your support,” Cook said.
The evening kicked off with a nod to Ibizan culture courtesy of Colla Sa Bodega, which performed a ball pagès dance during the welcome cocktail reception, while DJ Andy Baxter provided the music for an evening that continued later at the restaurant. The kitchen at Playa Soleil prepared an entirely vegan menu thanks to the support of the Coller Foundation, through which the foundation sought to demonstrate that a culinary offering with a lower environmental impact can combine sustainability and flavor. The fundraising took place amid magic acts by Sean Christopher, while the Deva Models team attended to guests and facilitated their donations.
