“Tu si na’ cosa grande…” It is with these words from the song performed by Domenico Modugno at the Sanremo Festival in September 1964 that Gigi D’Alessio, guest of honor at the gala held on Sunday, December 1, in the halls of the Palazzo della Borsa in Genoa, chose to thank, on behalf of everyone, Prince Domenico Antonio Pallavicino for his generous gesture. The Prince donated €350,000 to the Giannina Gaslini Institute in Genoa, contributing to the creation of the physiological birthing area in the new Pavilion Zero.
The event, organized in support of the renowned pediatric hospital through the Gaslininsieme ETS Foundation, saw the participation of over 100 guests, including prominent figures from nobility, institutions, professions, and culture.
The contribution, aimed at the construction of five physiological delivery rooms with neonatal islands and four neonatal intensive care stations, is a crucial part of the “New Gaslini” project. These state-of-the-art facilities, integrated into the new surgical block, will ensure a safe and technologically advanced environment to support newborns and their families.
“In these challenging times, I decided to invest in health and well-being by funding a facility that looks to the future of Genoa and the next generations,” said Prince Pallavicino. “Among the principles passed down to me, solidarity stands at the forefront.”
“The physiological birthing area that will come to life thanks to this donation will be a place where technology and humanity converge in service of life,” emphasized Edoardo Garrone, President of the Gaslini Institute. “We hope this example will inspire others to contribute to a project that represents the future of pediatrics,” commented Carla Sibilla, Vice President of the Gerolamo Gaslini Foundation.
Renato Botti, General Director of the Gaslini Institute, explained the overall importance of the project: “The New Gaslini will be a global center of excellence, able to engage with the best international facilities. Thanks to Pavilion Zero, the new Technology Hub, and the renovation of existing pavilions, we will provide cutting-edge care for young patients,” he said.
The gala was enriched by performances by dancer and actress Matilde Brandi and singer Gigi D’Alessio, who delighted the audience with a medley of his hits. More than 100 people attended the charity dinner, including notable figures from nobility and institutional authorities such as Regional Councilor Simona Ferro, City Councilors Lorenza Rosso and Sergio Gambino, Member of Parliament Roberto Bagnasco, former Senator Sandro Biasotti, Member of Parliament Ilaria Cavo, President of Palazzo Ducale Beppe Costa, and President of Porto Antico Mauro Ferrando. The event also included professionals like Massimiliano Monti, publisher of Telenord Editorial Group; Claudio Senzioni, legal representative of Prince Domenico Antonio Pallavicino; Anna Zanuttini, General Secretary of Gaslininsieme ETS; infectious disease specialist Matteo Bassetti; Mario Costantini, President of Europam Spa; Michele Brambilla, Director of Il Secolo XIX; journalist Letizia Cini from La Nazione; journalist Renato Tortarolo; and art historian Anna Orlando.
At the end of the evening, all guests were presented with the newly published volume by Sagep, The Pallavicinos of Genoa: An Obertenghi Patrician Lineage in European and Mediterranean History, a scholarly work that offers a rich exploration of over 800 years of public, diplomatic, and military roles, as well as social and cultural patronage activities, as exemplified by the ongoing generosity and dedication of Prince Domenico Antonio Pallavicino in these fields.
The Gaslininsieme ETS Foundation, which organized the evening, is an entity established to support scientific research, care, and treatment for young patients at the Gaslini, as well as to contribute to the hospital’s structural and technological advancements. The charity gala dinner by Prince Domenico Pallavicino in support of the Giannina Gaslini Institute was organized by Edizioni Liguri – TN Events & Media.
