One of Europe’s fastest-growing philanthropic initiatives has set a new record after raising approximately €20 million in just 90 minutes during its annual gala in Warsaw.

The fifth edition of TOP CHARITY saw Polish entrepreneurs bid around €10 million for contemporary artworks and exclusive experiences before businessman Rafał Brzoska, co-founder of the initiative, pledged to match the amount from his own private funds, doubling the evening’s total.

Since launching in 2022, TOP CHARITY has now raised more than €55.6 million, cementing its position as one of Europe’s most influential philanthropic platforms.

Among the most sought-after auction lots were a meeting with Elon Musk, including the opportunity to present a business idea to the billionaire entrepreneur, which sold for approximately €591,000, and a week-long wellness retreat in Vietnam with fitness coach Ewa Chodakowska, which generated a record €1.8 million from multiple bidders.

The gala also featured high-value contemporary artworks. The top-selling piece was Polish artist Krzysztof Renes’ monumental sculpture On, Venus, Youth, which fetched around €420,000, more than four times its estimated value.

Beyond fundraising, this year’s edition highlighted growing international cooperation in business and philanthropy.

A day before the gala, Warsaw hosted TOP CHARITY ChangeMAKERS 2026, a forum bringing together leaders from business, diplomacy, technology, security, culture and philanthropy to discuss responsible leadership and new models of collaboration.

Among the participants was Martin Vohánka, Czech entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder and CEO of Eurowag. The Czech business leader joined discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation and creating opportunities for future generations across Central Europe.

“We must strengthen and deepen alliances in Europe while creating a space where talent can grow — not only in Poland, but across the entire region,” Vohánka said.

“A space that builds prosperity and leadership rooted in humanity. I believe our countries have everything they need to make this vision a reality.”

Other participants included representatives from UNESCO, policymakers, investors and international business figures who debated Europe’s resilience, emerging technologies and public-private partnerships.

The jubilee edition also underscored TOP CHARITY’s expanding international reach. Guest of honour was Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, King of Asante in Ghana, whose presence reflected the initiative’s growing emphasis on cooperation between Europe and Africa through culture, education and social responsibility.

“What Omenaa and I have been building for years has long gone beyond the standard framework of philanthropy,” said Rafał Brzoska.

“With each successive edition, TOP CHARITY shows that it is possible to think more boldly and build projects on a truly international scale.”

Founded by entrepreneur Rafał Brzoska and philanthropist Omenaa Mensah, TOP CHARITY was created in response to the wave of solidarity following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Over five years, it has evolved into a platform connecting business leaders, cultural institutions and social organisations to support projects in Poland and abroad.

According to organisers, at least 30 percent of the funds raised each year are directed through the initiative’s Philanthropic Consortium, which supports educational, cultural and humanitarian projects. To date, the consortium has backed more than 160 initiatives benefiting hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

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