Popularity can serve much greater purposes than simply gaining more fans. It can help and allow good to take center stage. It was precisely this kind of commitment that was recognized during the 17th Stars of Charity Gala and Charity Ball, which took place on October 17 at the Sofitel Warsaw Victoria hotel in Warsaw. Polish-American Freedom Foundation is a partner of the plebiscite and the gwiazdydobroczynnosci.pl website, as well as the Stars for Social Resilience category.
The Charity Stars Plebiscite, organized by the Academy for the Development of Philanthropy in Poland, honors well-known figures from the worlds of culture, media, sports, and public life who are involved in social and charitable activities. Its goal is not only to recognize socially engaged public figures but also to draw attention to the work of non-governmental organizations and encourage others to get involved.
During the gala evening on October 17, representatives from the worlds of culture, media, business, and social organizations gathered on one stage. They are united by the belief that public recognition can be a powerful tool for helping others, especially when accompanied by genuine commitment, consistency, and collaboration with non-governmental organizations.
Statuettes and the title Charity Star were awarded in six categories, in appreciation of the public figures’ efforts in the areas of: social resilience, health, seniors, environmental and animal protection, charitable aid, and long-term commitment to social causes.
Who Are the Winners?
Stars for Social Resilience, category partner: the Polish-American Freedom Foundation
The winner of the Stars for Social Resilience category was Halszka Witkowska, recognized for her efforts that turn conversation into a tool for saving lives and make hope something real and accessible. Since 2018, the awardee has been developing the project Life Is Worth Talking About — Poland’s first educational and support platform assisting people in a suicidal crisis, their loved ones, parents, teachers, and specialists. She creates campaigns, educational materials, webinars, and a system of free assistance. Her work combines individual support with systemic initiatives and public education. “There are actions whose effects aren’t always immediately visible. But sometimes their result is simply that someone isn’t left alone in their most difficult moment,” says the award winner.
Stars for Seniors, a category sponsored by the Biedronka Foundation.
The award went to Sister Małgorzata Chmielewska, who for over 30 years has been a key contributor to the Bread of Life initiative in Poland, establishing homes where marginalized individuals can not only find shelter but also rebuild their sense of dignity and agency. The winner’s many years of experience working with the elderly, the poor, and those experiencing homelessness help the foundation create programs that address the real needs of seniors. She also consistently uses her voice to draw attention to their poverty, loneliness, and exclusion.
Health Category, category partner: LEK-AM Pharmaceutical Company.
For his efforts to support patients and their families, promote prevention, and raise health awareness among people with diabetes, Michał Figurski, founder of the Najsłodsi Foundation—which educates, debunks myths about diabetes, and, above all, encourages people to get tested—was named a winner of the Charity Stars Plebiscite.
Charitable Aid, category partner: the Erste Foundation.
In this category, the award recognized the social commitment of the Popiel family—Lidia Bogaczówna, her husband Andrzej Popiel, and their sons Maurycy, Ludwik, and Andrzej. Lidia and her family have been involved in the Noble Gift initiative for years. Andrzej also supports the I Have A Dream Foundation and is the founder and organizer of Polish Actors’ Half-Marathon Championship, during which funds are raised to support children battling illnesses. Together, the entire family also serves as ambassadors of the Poland Business Run.
Environmental and Animal Protection
The winner in this category was Adam Van Bendler, founder of the Psia Krew Foundation, which initially helped animal shelters by funding food, medicine, and necessary investments. Over time, however, this initiative grew into a much more ambitious project: Animal Helper, an app and call center that functions like an emergency hotline (112) for animals.
Ambassadors of Social Engagement
This is a category in which consistency, authenticity, and long-term collaboration with social organizations are of particular importance. It honors individuals for whom helping others is not a one-time act, but a lasting part of their public engagement. The award in this category went to Krzysztof Ibisz, who for 30 years has consistently used part of his public profile to help those most in need. Since the inception of the Polsat Foundation—We Are for Children he has participated in its social campaigns, charitable initiatives, and events benefiting sick children.
Special Awards and Honors
During the 17th Gala, a Special Award—the “Star of Charity” from Twój Styl magazine—was also presented to Eryk Kulm. The Honorary Star of Charity was awarded to Katarzyna Stoparczyk, a journalist who died tragically; the statuette was accepted by her son, Maksymilian Stoparczyk.
Another special moment of the evening was the recognition of the Polsat Foundation on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. The Academy for the Development of Philanthropy in Poland presented the Foundation with a symbolic certificate of congratulations, thanking it for three decades of helping children and their families. The certificate was accepted by Agnieszka Grzegorczyk, President of the Polsat Foundation.
During the Gala, each winner received a statuette sponsored by Apart and a check for PLN 10,000, which they donated to a social organization of their choice. During the auction, attendees could bid on unique items, experiences, and attractions donated by contributors. The funds raised will support the Charity Stars Fund and social initiatives carried out by non-governmental organizations.
The 17th edition of the Charity Stars Plebiscite, along with the awards gala and charity ball, was made possible thanks to the commitment of partners who support the idea of social engagement by public figures.
The plebiscite is organized by the Academy for the Development of Philanthropy in Poland. Polish-American Freedom Foundation is a partner of the plebiscite, the gwiazdydobroczynnosci.pl website, and the “social resilience” category. The main partner of the plebiscite is “Twój Styl” magazine.
Media Partners: twojstyl.pl, Olivia, Polsat, TVP, and TVN.
For more information about the winners and finalists of the 17th edition of the Charity Stars Plebiscite, visit www.gwiazdydobroczynnosci.pl
