9 April 2025 was a significant day for the Jiří Menzel Foundation. A ‘Closely Watched Evening’ was planned in the Fanta Hall in the main station building.  Due to the venue of the evening and the historical connection of Mrs Olga Menzel with the Farewell Memorial in the foyer of the Central Station, a commemoration was held in the afternoon with the last surviving Winton children, Mrs Zuzana Mares and Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines. Bouquets were laid there by the Minister of Transport, Mgr. Martin Kupka, Jiří Svoboda, Director General of the Railway Administration, a state enterprise, Deputy Ambassador of Great Britain Kate Davenport, Director of the Dr. Pírka Clinic Stanislav Najman and others. Afterwards, the guests went to the hall where two awards were presented during the Jiří Menzel Foundation evening. The crystal Arnostek from the Pačinek Glass workshop was presented to the Oscar-winning director István Szabó by Olga Menzelová, and the second was awarded to the singer and actor Václav Neckář. At the same time, Jiří Menzel's long-time collaborator Míla Řádová was awarded a crystal cast of J. Menzel's hand. The evening's programme was complemented by a musical performance by Lubomír Brabec and then Sara Milfajtová. An important part of the evening was the auction of works of art. The proceeds of CZK 1,168,000 will enable us to continue to support older artists in the event of their social difficulties due to health complications, as well as young artists in the creation of their films.

We would like to thank all sponsors of this event: ALO diamonds, ČSOB, ČEPS, Správa železnic, Ministerstvo dopravy, Foyer Café, Château Escot, Original Turnov, Pačinek Glass, MCU media, Newman+ friends, Kofola Československo, AstronPrint, AlmanacX (Alcron Prague), Medialogue. We would also like to thank all the donors of the auctioned art objects and all those who auctioned these items.