Donation record at ZDF gala: 26 million for children in need!

Donation record at ZDF gala: 26 million for children in need!

The 25th gala “A Heart for Children” took place on ZDF on December 6, 2025, and it was a complete success. Over 26 million euros were collected that evening for children in need. Moderator Johannes B. Kerner welcomed a diverse audience of more than 80 celebrities from society, sport, politics and show business, all of whom stood together for a good cause. These included well-known faces such as Dunja Hayali, Wladimir Klitschko, Uschi Glas, and Katarina Witt. Political support did not take long to arrive, with high-profile names such as Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil supporting the initiative.

The gala, which celebrated an anniversary, aimed to showcase national and international aid projects and raise funds for children in need. Music contributions from stars such as Andrea Berg, Roland Kaiser, Sarah Connor, and the virtuoso pianist Lang Lang enriched the event. Lang Lang impressed the audience with a piece by the French composer Yann Tiersen. But not everything went perfectly; At the beginning of the program there was a technical glitch in the telephone system, but this did not diminish the humor and professionalism of the presenters.

A call for support

Sarah Majorczyk, mother of three children and chairwoman of the BILD aid organization “A Heart for Children,” said she was grateful for every donation. Reflecting on the challenging year 2025, marked by wars, natural disasters and poverty, she recalled that it is children who often suffer the most from these circumstances. “Every donation opens a door to hope,” said Majorczyk, calling on viewers to support.

The donation hotline (01802 – 10 10 10) was active during the gala and beyond, and online donations were also possible via the homepage www.ehfk.de or via PayPal. Every cent donated goes directly to needy children without any deductions, as the personnel and administrative costs are covered by Axel Springer. This ensures that every euro goes where it is needed most, not just yesterday, but also in the coming days, as the fundraising campaign runs until December 12, 2025.

The commitment and support felt during the gala is a testament to the power of community and collective action. “A Heart for Children” remains an indispensable platform to sustainably improve the lives of children in need.

We must not forget that even small contributions can make a big difference. Let's set an example together and help those who need it most. Thanks to your support, we can give hope and help for the children's future. Further information about the fundraising campaign and the organization can be found on the website Kreizeitung Wesermarsch, ZDF Press release, and Image.