VANGARDIST Issue 24

In the beginning, Keszler managed to run the organisation with only two teammates, first from his gallery in the Grünangergasse in Vienna, then moving to a small room of about 100 square feet at the Intercontinental Hotel. The triumvirate set out to make the world a better place; they weren’t paid for it, but they survived on strong idealism alone – and not just them, but everyone who was involved in the project.

Even Heidi Klum & Co. showed up purely for the good cause and never saw a penny for it.

In 1994 donations had already doubled, and since then the Life Ball has continued to be a massive event with top-notch guests. The number of visitors is constantly increasing, in sync with the amount of money it raises.

The motto is “provocative and spectacular” and the Life Ball still lives up to it, beating the drum loudly and in spectacular fashion for its cause.

SIMPLY NERVE-WRACKING The year when the Rathaus was being refurbished, when the Life Ball then