Formula 1 in Monte Carlo is one of the most brilliant spectacles in the world. Athletes, famous artists, millionaires and socialites from all over the globe come together to enjoy it.
This year, however, the presence of a stand drew powerful attention. In it, a couple of Argentinian women harangued and reported to raise contacts and funds for different solidarity projects.
The truth is that since the end of the 19th century the Principality of Monaco has been a place of welcome for people arriving from all over the world. The hospitality of the Monegasques has contributed to the development and success of the Principality. The multiculturalism and solidarity of its community is strikingly similar to that of Argentina.
Motivated by the spirit of openness demonstrated by the Monegasque community, the Argentine María Eugenia Rubinelli and her Italian husband Michele felt that Monaco could be the ideal place to carry out the AMA Association project, of which they had been dreaming.
The first AMA project took place on the day of María Eugenia and Michele’s wedding in Monaco in 2003. On the occasion of that celebration, the monetary gifts received were entirely destined to help a nursing home undergoing eviction in Argentina.
What is this association about?
The Monaco Argentina Association is a non-profit organization located in the famous principality, founded by the Argentine couple Maria Eugenia Marín Palacios Malvicino and the Italian Michele Rubinelli.
It is an institution that has been dedicated for years to creating ties between Monaco and the Argentina: They have a long history of “helping to help.”
“Humanitarian aid is our essential purpose. We also want to develop and strengthen relationships, through bilateral cultural and sports exchange programs. It is very important for us to contribute to the search and creation of social and educational spaces that help strengthen ties between both communities, the Argentine and the Monegasque. We want to contribute in an active and innovative way to the social, cultural and sports link between Monaco and Argentina,” they say from the entity.
“We are interested in and generate actions that enrich four fundamental pillars for every society: education, health, sport and protection of nature. We work together with the Directorate of International Cooperation of the Government of Monaco and also thanks to donations from individuals,” he explains. Maria Eugenia. “AMA works with local partners in Argentina,” she clarifies. In this video, you can learn much more about this interesting movement:
“At this time, it is the third year that together with the Princess Charlenne Foundation we teach children from Puerto Pirámides in Valdés Peninsula to swim. In this program they are trained in the protection and care of nature,” explains the founder .
“In my case, I met María Eugenia and Michele 6 years ago and together we launched this project in Peninsula Valdés, where every year we provide swimming and drowning prevention classes to 53 children. We also enable learning situations for the students of the only Península Valdés primary school, in Puerto Pirámide – a site that has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO) with professionals on different topics that have to do with ecology and nature,” Argentinean Romina Bottazzi tells us. “The local NGO that is developing this movement is the one that I chair, called Let’s Protect Patagonia,” she adds.
“At this time, AMA is also providing financial aid and trying to do other actions with the NGO ‘Hazando Camino’ led by Catalina Hornos, a great woman who dedicates her life to children and single mothers in areas of Chaco where there is malnutrition, lack of health and lack of schools,” Romina continues.
“An action that we have between the three NGOs at the moment is a campaign for woven animal dolls. The dolls are woven in the Chaco, there are six different models and they are very representative animals of Peninsula Valdés. I bring these dolls to sell during the whale season in Peninsula Valdés through the NGO that I lead. I liked to mention this case to you because we are three different institutions that come together to carry out a super powerful action for everyone,” explains the activist.
From AMA they also reported that in 2025 a delegation of Scouts from Monaco is being prepared, which will travel to El Impenetrable Chaco to rebuild a kitchen. This is thanks to a project called ‘Helping those who help’: a program of workshops to collaborate with those who are in charge of different organizations providing help and assistance.
Why be at the Formula 1 Grand Prix?
“20 years ago we started with a stall selling hot dogs, sandwiches and drinks. It is exciting to see how generation after generation the commitment grows. Customers and friends pass by the stand on rue Grimaldi year after year knowing that everything raised goes towards a cause of AMA,” María Eugenia details to MDZ.
This year, Paola Varo from Mendoza was one of the volunteers who participated in the stand that the association erected during the presentation and development of Formula 1 in Monte Carlo. “The truth is that this move requires effort and good vibes because they are just a few days, very intense. The good thing is that when people see us, and understand that the products sold are for charity and raising funds for solidarity actions, They buy and come back! This year Paola joined in with the proposal, adding her positivity, and it was a great help. The stand participates every year with volunteers like her, and we believe that the best actions can be done in this way, selflessly and with great enthusiasm.” , considered Romina Bottazi.
How to contact them?
You can do it through their site at x: @monacoargentina
You can visit the official website by clicking here.
