Vienna Medical Doctors' Ball 2026: Record donation of 136,240 euros to CliniClowns Austria

The official donation cheque from the 74^th Vienna Medical Doctors' Ball was presented by Johannes Steinhart, President of the Vienna Medical Association, and Isabella Clara Heissenberger-Mass, Head oft he Ball Committee, to CliniClowns Austria, represented by its Managing Director Eva Radinger, who was accompanied by a pair of clowns.
“Year after year, the Vienna Medical Doctors' Ball demonstrates just how much can be achieved when social commitment and solidarity come together. At a time when our healthcare system is facing major challenges, genuine care and psychosocial support are more important than ever. This record donation of 136,240 euros is not only financial support for the CliniClowns, but also a strong signal that humanity has a firm place in our healthcare system,” emphasises President Johannes Steinhart.

Ball Committee Member Isabella Clara Heissenberger-Mass is also overwhelmed by the result: “As a paediatrician, I see every day just how important laughter, distraction and positive emotions are for sick children and their families. The CliniClowns create precisely these special moments. I am particularly delighted that, through the 74^th Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball and our commitment, we are able to support the CliniClowns in their valuable work in hospitals and care homes. My sincere thanks go to all the guests, sponsors and the many supporters who have made this result possible.”
The ball’s theme, ‘A Dance for Life’, therefore stood for far more than just a lovely evening at the Hofburg Vienna. Thanks to the record donation of 136,240 euros, this will translate into tangible support for children and families who benefit from visits by the CliniClowns.

Always following the colourful nose: record result boosts confidence 

“We would like to extend our special thanks to the organising team of the Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball. With great dedication and passion, they have made possible an event that has brought people together and raised an impressive sum for the work of CliniClowns Austria. The fact that our project was chosen as this year’s charity of choice is a special honour for us and a valuable mark of trust,” said Eva Radinger, Managing Director of CliniClowns Austria.
CliniClowns Austria will celebrate its 35^th anniversary in 2026. Since 1991, specially trained CliniClowns have been visiting chronically and seriously ill children, adults and elderly people in hospitals and care homes on a regular basis, providing a welcome ray of hope for all family members involved during difficult times. Every year, 80 CliniClowns carry out around 1,700 visits across some 150 wards.
The 74^th Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball transformed the Vienna Hofburg into a colourful arena of joie de vivre under the theme ‘A Dance for Life’. Music, dancing, stage performances and numerous charity activities made the evening an unforgettable experience.
“It was a great pleasure and honour for our clowns to be able to play a leading role in shaping the evening. The opportunity to showcase their artistic talents in front of a festive audience made this special occasion an unforgettable experience for them too. The warm response from the audience was a valuable recognition of our artists’ versatile work,” Radinger emphasises, adding: “On behalf of all those in our care and our entire team, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved who has contributed to this overwhelming fundraising total. Your generosity makes it possible to bring hope, joy and human connection to places where they are most needed. It enables encounters that offer encouragement, provide comfort and show that no one is alone with their worries. Together, we are creating positive moments that often have a lasting impact.”

Thanks to our guests and partners – Save the Date!

Special thanks go to the long-standing sponsors of the Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball, without whose generous support such a successful charity event would not be possible: the “Österreichische Ärzte- und Apothekerbank”, “Benefit Consulting”, “Porsche Inter Auto”, “TELLER von der Landstraße – Men’s & Wedding Fashion”, the “FOMF – Forum Medizin Fortbildung”, “Kelly’s”, “Wein&Co”, and the “25hours Hotel” where the official presentation of the donation cheque took place. “They all play a crucial role in ensuring that, year after year, the Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball is not only a social highlight but also a powerful symbol of solidarity in action,” said Heissenberger-Mass. The organisers of the Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball would like to thank all other sponsors and private donors, in particular the many ball guests whose generosity has made this impressive sum possible. “Make a note of the date for the 75^th Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball on 30 January 2027 today, and join us once again at the grand anniversary ball to dance for a good cause,” concluded Heissenberger-Mass.  

The Vienna Medical Association and the Ball Committee look forward to welcoming you!