An Evening of Purpose at Cinecittà Studios
Set against the stunning backdrop of Cinecittà Studios in Rome, the SiGMA Central Europe 2025 Charity Auction transported guests into the grandeur of Ancient Rome. Taking place at this cinematic venue, home to masterpieces such as Roman Holiday and Gangs of New York, provided a breathtaking stage for an evening of purpose and elegance.
The SiGMA Central Europe B2B Awards celebrated the industry’s leading innovators while raising significant funds in support of the SiGMA Foundation’s global initiatives. Under the glow of studio lights and marble columns, the event united gaming leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists in a shared mission to give back, demonstrating that the heart of the industry beats for impact. The night reaffirmed SiGMA’s commitment to driving meaningful change, turning glamour into generosity and creativity into community action.
Fundraising Success for Global Initiatives
Hosted by SiGMA legend Rick Goddard, the night saw an impressive €120,000 raised for the SiGMA Foundation global initiatives, each bid serving as a lifeline for communities around the world. Every moment of the charity auction carried its own resonance. Laughter mingled with applause as delegates toasted to progress, to fund projects that bring tangible change to lives far beyond the conference halls of Rome, including:
- •Baitawan Community Centre - Zambales, Philippines: The centre aims to benefit the Aetas people and residents of Batiawan, Zambales, Philippines, serving as a hub for various educational, cultural, and social purposes, aiming to uplift and empower the local community by providing essential services and fostering a sense of unity and progress.
- •Youth Empowerment Sports School - Sao Paulo, Brazil: This initiative aims to transform lives through mixed martial arts (MMA) training and education. The sports school will provide young adults from underprivileged backgrounds the support they need to pursue professional careers in sport.
- •Community Development Projects - Puerto Barrios, Guatemala: Improving the lives of 60 families with projects like a recycling program, clean stoves, and an eye surgery clinic.
- •Extension of a Hospital in Iquitos, Peru: Expanded Saint Martin de Porres Hospital to enhance treatment for AIDS, tuberculosis, cancer, and more, providing essential care to the community.
These are just some of the transformative projects globally. Further information on how to get involved in these life-changing initiatives aiming to improve the lives of communities worldwide is available on the SiGMA Foundation website.
Auction Highlights and Winning Bids
Auction 1: Ode to Ancient Rome
Sold for €15,000 to Punin Group. This artwork pays homage to great artists such as Karl Bryullov, Henryk Siemiradzki, and Botticelli. Sandra Kowalski imbues the piece with the humour intent in most of her works.
Auction 2: Italian Woman
Sold for €5,000 to Focus Gaming. The Italian Woman distills the soul of a nation into the quiet grace of a single figure. Rendered in soft, weightless tones, it captures the essence of Italian beauty. Savina’s minimalist brushwork allows light and space to breathe, transforming absence into expression.
Auction 3: Duel
Sold for €14,000 to Punin Group. Set in Rome, the Duel of Grace captures the same electric tension found in a high-stakes game. The ballerinas, embodiments of Romulus and Remus, mirror the dual nature of every gamble.
Auction 4: The Eternal Return
Sold for €51,000 to Alea. The Eternal Return envisions the timeless dance of opposites. They move together, two reflections of a single essence in constant balance, nature’s forms encircling them, echoing the harmony at the heart of existence.
Auction 5: Fate
Sold for €11,000 to 18 Peaches. In Fate, Edo reimagines Michelangelo’s David as a living conduit between mastery and uncertainty. The hero stands in modern hues, tinged with electric blues and golds, holding dice that shimmer.
Auction 6: Cristiano Ronaldo Signed Picture
Sold for €24,000 to 18 Peaches. Generously donated by The Power Plugin. This signed photograph captures Ronaldo in a moment of sporting brilliance. It radiates focus and confidence, immortalising one of football’s most electrifying figures in action. For collectors and admirers, it stands as an artifact, tribute, and symbol of the beautiful game’s unyielding power to move and unite.
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for a second night of the SiGMA Central Europe 2025 Charity Auction taking place on 04 November.