Melua and BGCC Fundraise for Tbilisi Flood Victims

World renowned Georgian singer and British citizen Katie Melua performed at a charity concert on Friday June 26, organized by the British Georgian Chamber of Commerce (BGCC) together with the Kartveli Fund and Project Artbeat. The initiative actually came from Natia Abramia, a Georgian Journalist who works for the BBC and lives in London who suggested organizing a charity evening which would include a small performance by Katie Melua to raise funds for the victims of the June 13 Tbilisi floods.

“We did our best to find a suitable venue at short notice,” said BGCC’s Senior Trade Advisor, George Rurua. “We managed to get a beautiful spot (Startisans),　which is located on Shelton Street in Covent Garden.”

At the event, Georgian food and wine was sold along with jewelry and artwork donated by Georgian artists and designers.

“We had prints by famous contemporary artist Eter Chkadua, who was present at the event and who signed her work, and jewelry by David Koma and Eshvi which was donated by Natia Chkhartishvili, founder of Eshvi Jewelry.

“There was also a performance from our friends, Welsh choir “Eschoir,” who offered their support by coming to our event and singing, together with Katie Melua.

“We also had a charity auction (for some donated items) by Georgian Investment Banker David Gigauri,” Rurua told Georgia Today.

It was said to have been a wonderful evening which was well attended by the Georgian community in the UK together with friends and supporters of Georgia living in London.

The event raised almost Ј8000 which will go towards the Tbilisi Dog Shelter, Tbilisi Zoo and families who lost their homes to the devastating flood.

“We would like to offer special thanks to the Georgian Embassy for their support and LAGVINARI Winery and Georgian Wine Society,” said BGCC Director, Mako Abashidze

Katie Ruth Davies