Vienna, Austria: On Saturday May 29th, 2010, the “Pro-Europe” Organising Committee hosted the inaugural Vienna edition of its prestigious annual charity ball, known as the "Europaball", aboard the “MS Kaiserin Elisabeth 22”, at the Vienna Marina. The growing success of this modern and sophisticated ball, traditionally held in the picturesque lakeside destination of Velden, Austria, prompted ball organizers to hold a second edition in Vienna, with the goal of raising even greater support for the ball's worthwhile and deserving beneficiary, The Meningitis Trust.

An exclusive guest-list attended this inaugural edition, and included leading dignitaries from around Europe, such as Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, Dr. Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Regional Policy, Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Former Commissioner for External Relations of the EU, amongst many others.

VIP Reception

Over a hundred and fifty guests gathered at 7.15 pm for the opening VIP reception on the sea terrace of the Vienna Marina restaurant, overlooking the majestic Danube river and offering stunning views of the Vienna skyline. While the champagne flowed freely, and strains of rousing music from the "Bläserquartett" brass band of the "Gardemusik des Österreichischen Bundesheers" entertained and warmed up the crowd, Mag. Christian Marolt, European Chairman of the Organising Committee "Pro Europe", who has been organizing an annual Europaball in Velden for 20 years, warmly welcomed the crowd of beautifully gowned ladies and dashingly tuxedoed gentlemen, and honoured this year’s committee members for their continued hard work and participation in the organization and success of this fabulous ball event. This year’s Europaball President, HD Dr. Michaela Weblacher, was also keen to thank the patrons and supporters of this event. The organizers are proud to report that the high level of support from the invited guests will be passed on to the Meningitis Trust, an affiliated charity that is long associated with the Europaball.

Dancing & Festivities On Board

At 8.15 pm, guests were led in a red-carpet parade from the sea terrace venue to the ship “MS Kaiserin Elisabeth”, to continue the festivities. At 9 pm the ship officially left the harbour to begin its journey up the Danube, and guests took their places to enjoy the excellent dinner menu which was put together by the ship’s restaurant, with a selection of gourmet cuisine to suit a wide range of tastes amidst a highly festive ambiance. Meanwhile, on the main deck of the ship, the Dr. Flo Ball Orchestra led the ball's experienced dancers into a variety of classical and traditional Viennese dances, while on the upper deck a more contemporary selection of music was kicked off by the ‘Cuba Libre’, and later by DJ Samir, who kept guests on their feet all night. A night of music, fine dining and dancing ensued, capped by a beautiful display of colourful fireworks at midnight. The ball's official photographer, Maria Petrak, who is well known in Vienna for her guide to luxury and events in Vienna captured the festivities on camera for posterity. You will find them in our Gallery.

The Still Young Night

The ball's by now pleasantly tired and partied-out guests finished up the night at 12.30, exiting the ball to bystanding coaches and gifted with roses to thank them for their good spirit all night, when the ship finally redocked at the Marina harbour once more. For those who wished to continue the party, the music kept up until 1.30 as the boat stayed on shore for another hour at the Marina Pier West. Many of the ball's guests filtered out to some of Vienna's exclusive clubs, where they danced till dawn, not wishing for the excellent party spirit to be over so soon, and eager to make the most of their night.

For those of you who, sadly, missed the festivities in Vienna, the 21st Europaball will be pleased to welcome you once again on Saturday 17th of July 2010 in Velden, Austria! Further information can be found on this website.