Omenaa Mensah, a renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur, leads Europe’s largest charity auction, the VENTE AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE. With her husband, Rafał Brzoska, CEO of InPost, she has raised millions for underprivileged children in Africa and Poland. This article delves into her journey from media personality to philanthropic leader, the auction’s success in raising nearly €19 million, and her unwavering commitment to education and impactful charitable work worldwide.
How has your personal belief in the value of sharing and hard work shaped the initiatives and projects you support through your charitable efforts?
I am persistent, perhaps even determined. I understand the immense power of education and how many people, unfairly, lack access to this vital resource, which I believe is the most important thing you can give a child. My father taught me this lesson. He came to Poland with the dream of becoming a cardiologist, a goal he couldn’t achieve in Ghana, where my ancestors are from. I was incredibly fortunate to grow up believing that true value lies not in what you possess but in what you share and that what you achieve through your hard work is what truly matters. This has instilled in me a great sense of strength and action. As a result, no task seems impossible to me. This is why we auction unique works of art and create profound emotions, with the latest auction achieving a spectacular result of over €11 million. Over the course of three editions, we have raised nearly €19 million for charitable causes.
How did the idea for the VENTE AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE come about? What were the first steps you took to bring this vision to life?
When I started my philanthropic mission, I was alone, but I was convinced that I could change the world. I had big dreams, which I turned into concrete plans and executed consistently. As a successful journalist and public figure working with Warner Bros TVN, I gained significant recognition in the media industry. Leveraging my image and public influence, I led charitable projects to support those in need, finding true fulfilment in this mission of philanthropy and social impact. I wasn’t afraid to ask for help, and I knocked on every door—a strategy that ultimately led me to the love of my life, who gave me even greater wings. With the support and understanding of my husband, I know that great efforts are achievable. Rafał Brzoska, entrepreneur, philanthropist, member of the Atlantic Council’s International Advisory Board, and CEO of InPost—now Europe’s largest e-commerce delivery platform after acquiring the French company Mondial Relay—serves millions of people every day with a network of over 28,000 sites. This immense scale and reach demonstrate how even the largest companies can engage in philanthropy, creating enormous opportunities for others and inspiring other business owners to make a positive impact.
Photo: Omenaa Mensah and Rafał Brzoska, who is the CEO of InPost S.A., are the initiators of the TOP CHARITY Auction.
You mentioned that everything you do is of the highest standard. Could you explain how this principle has contributed to the success and recognition of the VENTES AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE?
I uphold the principle that everything I do is of the highest standard because it reflects respect for the people I work with. This is why the VENTES AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE has become Europe’s largest charity event. The quality of our auction results from an exceptional team working tirelessly on each project, ensuring that all auction clients receive personal care with a highly personalized touch. I’m thrilled that this effort is recognized and appreciated globally, as we recently received the Luxury Lifestyle Award for the best auction event in Poland. The event brings together influential figures from business, art, and culture, all united by the common goal of making the world a better place.
This year marks only the third edition of the VENTES AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE, yet it’s already the largest and most prestigious charity event in Europe. How did it go?
This remarkable growth is reflected in the significant increase in funds raised each year from the auction alone, excluding donations and ticket sales. In 2022, we raised about €2 million. The following year, in 2023, we saw an impressive jump to €6.5 million. And in 2024, we achieved a spectacular result of around €10.5 million.
This success is largely due to the incredible support and contributions from our community, as well as the exceptional works of art we auction. Each year, my husband, Rafał Brzoska, has doubled the number of pieces auctioned, which has significantly improved our offerings and attracted even more generous bids. This collective effort has not only helped raise substantial funds but has also increased the auction’s prestige and its impact on the charitable causes we support.
What makes this event so extraordinary and unique? What are the standout features of this year’s VENTES AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE?
The VENTES AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE has several unique elements that set it apart. This year, we started early with the maltabiennale.art 2024, where the OmenaArt Foundation presented its thematic pavilion, “Other Geographies, Other Stories,” highlighting a female perspective on contemporary challenges. At the same time, we opened Villa Luginsland to the public, a cultural monument we restored after decades of neglect.
The second phase featured the artworks up for auction, carefully selected by the Artistic Council almost a year in advance to ensure high demand. Alongside this, we launched the Artis Arundo Scholarship Program for young artists, a generational relay where works by established artists are auctioned to fund Polish art students and graduates of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, who are invited to art residencies at Luginsland of Art in Malta.
Just before the auction, we hosted the ChangeMakers Business Picnic, where we discussed today’s most pressing challenges and how we can make a difference together.
Omenaa Mensah, during a meeting with children from Kids Haven School, which she founded for street children in Ghana. Photo: Marcin Suder
LuginsLand of Art in Malta, an art and business center of which Omenaa Mensah is the mindmaster. Photo: Kurt Paris.
Can you describe the auction experience itself and the excitement it generates?
The auction is a one-night event but a massive undertaking. Every detail, no matter how small, is meticulously planned to ensure a breathtaking experience. The set design alone involves 1,500 people, with a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure the event is nothing short of spectacular.
The artworks create immense interest. This year, Igor Mitoraj’s piece “Torso Alato” was auctioned for a record €1.5 million. Additionally, there’s a lot of positive energy surrounding the Great Emotions auction, which will culminate soon during the final stage of the Tour de France. Cycling enthusiasts have offered a special prize: a VIP invitation to a cocktail in the final village in Monaco, where guests can watch the live broadcast of the last stage of the 111th Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious cycling event.
These combined elements make the VENTE AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE an unparalleled and extraordinary event.
What happens after the funds are raised? How are they allocated, and how do you determine the most urgent initiatives?
We have the trust and support of top business leaders, which allows us to undertake very ambitious and complex projects, and we approach this with diligence. We collaborate with other foundations in Poland and around the world, sharing what we have, and in doing so, we go far and truly make a difference. Each year, 30% of the funds are allocated to the Philanthropic Consortium, which gathers initiatives from various foundations operating in Poland and globally, helping them achieve their goals. I believe in philanthropy; we are stronger when united. It’s not a competition—it’s a mission that can have a more significant impact when connected. Last year, we collaborated with the Bocelli Foundation, supporting the implementation of their projects, and this year we will surely work with the Rafa Nadal Foundation and Shoulders Up, led by entrepreneur Phyllis Newhouse, who was one of our guests, along with many others still to be decided.
The Omenaa Foundation programs focus on education. A significant portion of the funds is devoted to building schools, providing scholarships, and supporting educational materials for children in Africa and Poland. Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and opening new opportunities.
Part of the funds also supports cultural projects, such as the restoration of Villa Luginsland or frescoes at Pałac Wilanów, and the Artis Arundo program, which nurtures young artistic talents.
The work of Monika Sosnowska presented at TOP CHARITY Auction in Warsaw. Photo: Jacek Poremba (Left image). “Window to the World” is part of the TOP CHARITY Auction temporary exhibition, whose original shutters from LuginsLand of Art in Malta were installed inside the Orangery of the Wilanów Palace in Poland. Set designer of Slovakian origin, Boris Kudlička, was responsible for the installation. Photo: Jacek Poremba (Right image).
Alright, seriously now, how many hours do you have in your day? And what’s on your wishlist for the future? Which upcoming projects or events excite you the most, and how can the public get involved in supporting your foundation’s mission?
With the unwavering support of my husband, Rafał Brzoska, and the partnerships we’ve cultivated, the VENTE AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE continues to set new standards in philanthropy, demonstrating how collective action can profoundly impact our world. Ultimately, my greatest aspiration is to ensure that our efforts create a truly better world for my children, their peers across Poland and Africa, and future generations. I want to build something bigger than myself and leave the world slightly better than it was when I arrived. Simply put—it’s already a lot of work!
What can we expect from next year’s VENTE AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE?
Preparations for next year’s event begin as soon as we finish the final dance of this year’s auction. Next year, we’ll not only present artworks that will delight collectors and connoisseurs but also an exciting theme: Baroque Astrology. Each VENTE AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE has a theme that beautifully connects a unique venue, like the palace of King Jan III Sobieski, with modern interpretations of fashion and event design. I can’t wait to see how the grandeur of the past will inspire the present and contribute to something truly meaningful. I also hope that our guest list continues to grow year after year!
The TOP CHARITY Auction event included masterpieces by iconic artists including Igor Mitoraj, whose 1985 Torso alato sculpture was the highest bidder, for which a buyer and dedicated philanthropist paid $1.7 million. The flawless execution of the auction was provided by Polswiss Art Auction House and EY Poland. Photo: Jacek Poremba.
The VENTE AUX ENCHÈRES TOP CHARITE, led by Omenaa Mensah, is the most significant charity auction in Europe. This prestigious event brings together leading business figures, influential personalities from the worlds of art and culture, and other high-profile individuals, all united by a common goal: to make a substantial difference in the lives of street children in Africa and disadvantaged children in Poland.
Key Initiatives:
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Omenaa Foundation: Supports the education of street children in Africa who lack access to schooling, and aids the most vulnerable children in Poland, such as those in orphanages or foster care.
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Revitalization of Luginsland of Art in Malta: This project aims to restore and rejuvenate a significant cultural site in Malta, enhancing both its artistic value and public accessibility.
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Frescoes at Pałac Wilanów in Warsaw: Coordinated by the OmenaArt Foundation, this project focuses on the revitalization and preservation of frescoes at the historic Pałac Wilanów, enriching the cultural heritage of Warsaw.
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Artis Arundo: This prestigious award celebrates promising young artists by symbolically pairing them with established masters. The works showcased have already been presented at the Venice Biennale and subsequently auctioned to fund support for young Polish art students.