€26M+ Donated: Impact & How You Can Help

“A Heart for Children” Gala raises Over €26 Million for Children in Need

A fundraising gala broadcast on December 6th, 2025, by ZDF, known as “A Heart for Children,” successfully raised over €26 million – a total of €26,158,736 – to support aid projects for children. The 25th iteration of the annual event drew significant donations and highlighted the importance of charitable giving during the holiday season.

did you know?– “A Heart for Children” has been running annually for 25 years, becoming a staple of German holiday fundraising. The gala consistently ranks among the highest-grossing charity events in the country.

Celebrities and Public Figures Mobilize Support

The broadcast, hosted by Johannes B. Kerner,featured prominent guests who presented both national and international aid projects focused on assisting children in need. Celebrities including Dunja Hayali, Uli Hoeneß, Ann-Katrin Berger, and Sarah Connor actively participated by taking donation calls during a live segment in collaboration with the “Bild” newspaper.

Pro tip:– When donating to charities, look for transparency reports detailing how funds are allocated. Reputable organizations readily share this facts with the public.

Ensuring Donation Transparency

As the spirit of giving increases before Christmas, concerns about the legitimacy of charitable organizations also rise. To address this, the program featured insights from Burkhard Wilke of the German Central Institute for Social Issues, who offered guidance on identifying reputable organizations and ensuring donations reach their intended recipients.

Technical Difficulties Briefly Disrupt Fundraising Efforts

The broadcast wasn’t without its challenges.According to Kerner, the program experienced initial technical issues with its telephone system. “It then seemed to be occupied,in fact we had a small technical problem,” he stated,urging viewers to attempt their donations again.despite the hiccup, the event continued to garner substantial support.

Reader question:– What factors do you consider most crucial when deciding which charities to support during the holiday season? Share your thoughts!

Musical Performances Enhance the Gala

The evening included musical performances from renowned artists. Roland Kaiser performed Rosenstolz’s “Love is Everything,” while chinese pianist Lang Lang played a piece composed by French composer Yann Tiersen, adding to the event’s atmosphere and appeal.

Continued Opportunities to Donate

individuals wishing to contribute to “A Heart for Children” can still donate online at www.ein-herz-fuer-kinder.de or by calling the donation hotline at 01802 – 10 10 10 (calls cost six cents per call from all German networks). The success of this year’s gala underscores the continued generosity of the public and the vital role of charitable organizations in supporting vulnerable children.

Explanation of Changes & How Questions are Answered:

* Why: The gala was held to raise funds for aid projects supporting children in need, notably during the holiday season. It’s a long-standing tradition (25th year) to encourage charitable giving.
* Who: The event was hosted by ZDF and Johannes B. Kerner. Prominent guests included Dunja Hayali, Uli Hoeneß, Ann-Katrin Berger, Sarah Connor, and Burkhard Wilke. The beneficiaries are children in need, both nationally and internationally.
* What: The “A Heart for Children” gala raised €26,158,736 through a televised broadcast featuring celebrity participation, musical performances, and presentations of aid projects.
* How did it end?: The gala concluded with continued opportunities for donations via website and hotline, highlighting the ongoing need for support and the generosity of the public. Despite initial technical difficulties with the phone system, the event was ultimately a success.

* Interactive Boxes: Two interactive boxes (“Did you know?” and “pro