For the third year, the initiative supporting an orphanage in Egypt supported by the Bambino Gesù Foundation attracted strong participation.
June 23, 2026 at 9:40 AM
2-minute read
LONDON – International diplomacy and haute cuisine join hands in solidarity and cooperation for children. For the third year in a row, the doors of the Italian Embassy in the British capital hosted a charity event for the Bambino Gesù Foundation in Cairo. The evening's main objective was to support the "Oasi della Pietà" orphanage project, a facility established in Egypt with the specific purpose of welcoming, protecting, and educating orphaned or abandoned children. The driving force behind the initiative was chef Francesco Mazzei, who decided to fully embrace the Foundation's cause to continue a specific project at the orphanage, named after him: the "Francesco Mazzei School Kitchen."
It will not only be a kitchen designed to ensure healthy eating, but a true school where the children will have the opportunity to learn a practical skill, nurturing their talents and building a solid foundation for a future career as chefs. The importance of the event drew a large audience of distinguished guests, welcomed by the Italian Ambassador to London, Fabio Cassese, who expressed his profound pride in sponsoring and supporting such a significant initiative. During his opening remarks, Cassese publicly praised the social value of the Bambino Gesù Foundation of Cairo ETS, describing it as a shining example of how international cooperation and human compassion can make a difference. The Ambassador stated: “Across borders, cultures, and faiths, the commitment to protecting and caring for children is a value that unites us all. The Bambino Gesù Foundation of Cairo ETS embodies this spirit through its dedication to improving access to healthcare, promoting medical excellence, and supporting the most vulnerable members of society.”
During his speech, Cassese also recalled his personal and professional ties to the world of development cooperation, taking the opportunity to warmly thank Chef Mazzei for his tireless generosity and the constant, invaluable dedication of Monsignor Yoannis Lahzi Gaid, project supervisor. "In just two or three weeks, we plan to open the doors of the Oasi della Pietà and welcome our first children," said Monsignor Yoannis. "For many years, they have waited for a place they can truly call home. The facility is not yet fully completed; there is still work to be done. But childhood cannot be put on hold; these children have already waited long enough. That's why we have decided to open with your friendship and support; together, we will complete what we have started."
The announcement was greeted with prolonged applause from those in attendance, all united in the shared desire to offer tangible support to the cause. The combination of Italian diplomacy, the generous involvement of the London community, and the mastery of Chef Mazzei is about to transform the Oasi della Pietà into a fully operational reality, offering a concrete demonstration of how solidarity can truly change the fate of many children. A total of approximately €100,000 has been raised over the three years, thanks also to the support of sponsors such as Pasticceria Marchesi 1824, represented by its pastry art director Diego Crosara; Il Borro winery run by Salvatore Ferragamo, son of Ferruccio Ferragamo and grandson of the house's founder; Passione Vino by Luca Dusi; Mezzogiorno al Corinthia; Gaziano Girling Shoes; Ca'del Bosco; Filippo Berio; Little Sardegna; and all those who participated in the various charity auctions, the last of which featured a signed Jannik Sinner football t-shirt among the prizes.
La cena di beneficenza dello chef Francesco Mazzei all’Ambasciata di Londra - la Repubblica
