A packed hall at the Čakovec Cultural Centre hosted a solemn and highly emotional charity concert titled "Friends for Marija" on Wednesday, 11 November. The concert was organised at the initiative of Međimurje County and the Međimurska Zaklada Solidarnosti "Katruža" (Međimurje Solidarity Foundation "Katruža"), with the aim of providing support and raising funds for Marija Jambrošić in her battle against severe health challenges.
Matija Posavec, the county mayor of Međimurje, addressed the gathered visitors, performers and volunteers. He emphasised that this was a moment when one must be proud of the strength of unity and solidarity that characterises the Međimurje community.
Performers on stage included Žaklina Hajdarović, Tajana Jezernik and Damir Rodiger, while the Čakovec children performed under the direction of Prof. Maja Magdalenić Barić. Skandal Band and Goran and Andreja Šafarić entertained the audience, while the Junior group of the Vivona Dance Group performed the choreography "Otkucaji" by Sara Kovačić. Sohrab Kashef and Nadia Bistrović, along with the Sveti Marko female vocal group, also performed, and saxophonist Krunoslav Lajtman enriched the programme.
Later in the evening, Josip Sanjković Mitrica, Žiga, Stiven Vrbanec, Željko Thes, the vocal group Pučpuljike accompanied by Damir Rodiger on piano, Nenad Peršak and Danijel Vidović took the stage. The TEUTA Čakovec Contemporary Dance Studio performed the choreography "Mjesečev valcer" by choreographer Nikolina Mekovec, while Željko Pokupec Šero, Etno duo Goga i Željko, Vladimir Košir Tonka, Bojan Jambrošić, Dominik Padarić, Filip Hozjak and the Tambura and Dance Ensemble of the KUD Mihovljan cultural association also appeared on stage.
Particular attention was drawn to the fact that performer Filip Hozjak was born on the same day as Marija Jambrošić – 27 December. On that date, in 1647, Nikola VII. Zrinski Čakovečki was crowned Ban of Croatia.
Tickets priced at ten euros were sold at the box office and via the Centre's website. Petra Strahija, the manager of the Međimurska Zaklada Solidarnosti "Katruža", clarified that the entire amount from ticket sales is deposited into the official charity account opened for Marija Jambrošić. The charity account remains active until 17 February, and all funds raised will be fully directed towards Marija's treatment, necessary rehabilitation and the adaptation of her home to her health condition.
