On November 17, 2024 the Brașov Opera House hosted a special event: the Gala for Talented Children from Large Families. Organized by ASFANU – the Romanian Association of Large Families, with the support of the Alber Foundation, Alphaville Arena, and numerous partners and sponsors, the Gala marked a milestone in recognizing and promoting the talents of children from families with three or more children in Brașov County.
A Gala Dedicated to Excellence and Talent
At this inaugural edition, 42 talented children from 23 families with three or more children in Brașov County impressed the audience across five categories: music, dance, visual arts, sports, and unique talents. The participants, aged 6 to 18, represented communities such as Brașov, Sânpetru, Prejmer, Vulcan, Făgăraș, and Hălchiu. The event attracted over 250 spectators, including parents, grandparents, special guests, and sponsors.
Awards and Recognition
The Gala Jury, comprised of music producer Șerban Cazan, actor Marius Manole, and journalist Raluca Al-Haddad, faced the challenging task of selecting the winners. The awards presented at the Gala included:
- 25 “Rising Star” Awards
- 1 Popularity Award, chosen through an online public vote
- 16 Special Jury Awards
The prizes included monetary awards and products generously offered by sponsors and partners.
The jury members encouraged the winners of the first edition of the Gala for Talented Children from Large Families – Rising Stars, and invited special award winners to meet with them for further insight into their professional activities.
Education and Inspiration
All participating children attended a Financial Education Workshop conducted by Romanian Commercial Bank and School for money (Școala de Bani) program, led by Mrs. Elena Nicodim, Communication Coordinator at BCR Brașov County Branch. The interactive workshop covered essential topics such as needs, goods, and money, as well as advanced concepts like cryptocurrencies, investments, and the stock market, equipping participants with valuable lessons for their future.
Entertainment and Surprises
The event was hosted by TV journalist Raluca Al-Haddad and concluded with a concert by Rift, a band composed of young musicians from Brașov, featuring drummer Ștefan Piuaru, himself from a large family.
Another highlight was a ventriloquism performance by actor Bogdan Gontineac, captivating the children with a delightful puppet theater show.
Statement from the Organizers
“The Gala is a story about family, talent, and community. Each child brought magic, each parent inspired, and every volunteer and partner proved that together, we can be a strong voice for large families. This year, children from Brașov County participated, but in 2025, we aim to organize this Gala on a national level to meet talented children from large families across Romania,” declared ASFANU Board Members Irina Granzulea (President), Mihaela Mosora (Vice President), and Andreea Piuaru (Secretary General).
Special Thanks
The event would not have been possible without the extraordinary involvement of volunteers, parents, and children from large families, members of ASFANU Brașov, who worked tirelessly to organize and host the Gala: Simona Kostovski, Marinela Balasz, Marcela Vovc, and Mihaela Nistorică. Their efforts showcased the power of teamwork and community.
Special thanks also go to Andrei Morar, the event photographer, for capturing the Gala’s memorable moments and preserving these precious and unforgettable memories.
Impact and Vision
The event was supported by numerous partners and sponsors, demonstrating their commitment to initiatives that benefit large families and promote young talent. The Gala aspires to become an annual event, a symbol of recognition and support for children from large families, offering them the opportunity to shine and inspire future generations.
