On Sunday night, the Teatro Pereyra hosted a charity dinner-show to benefit the Elena Torres Association, which conducts research into the early detection of cancer. This sold-out event brought together dozens of people for an evening of gastronomy and live music in support of scientific research.
The chosen show was 'Let's Go Carnival', one of three productions forming part of the theatre's summer programme. Inspired by the carnivals of the 1920s, the show features a blend of music, acrobatics and dance.
For Mari Carmen Gutiérrez, president of the Association, the full house has double significance. 'For us, it represents both fundraising and acceptance of the project. We are in a wonderful venue, the Teatro Pereyra, which embodies the essence of pure, beautiful Ibiza," she said. 'We are very grateful to the theatre and the whole team. This dinner is a significant undertaking that will help us greatly".
This is not the first time the association has collaborated with the theatre, but it is one of the most special occasions. In addition to the show, a video was shown reviewing the evolution of the research from day one until now.
The Elena Torres Association has raised 600,000 euros entirely to finance the research led by Dr. Priscila Monteiro Kosaka at the CSIC. Its aim is to detect cancer in its very early stages through a blood test. ‘Our researcher has made important advances that have already been published in scientific journals,’ said the founder, who insisted that "research is hope. We have to take research to the streets, to remind people that it also goes with them.
The event was attended by 200 people - the maximum capacity allowed - and Mari Carmen said that more initiatives will continue. As a final message, she made a wish: "That we support research, ours and everyone's. Because research is hope".